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Fighting COVID-19 together: The importance of getting vaccinated

Dear Captains
Dear Crew
Dear Colleagues at Sea and Ashore

Today, we would like to briefly address the very important topic of protecting yourself and others by getting vaccinated.

The COVID-19 pandemic has now been ongoing for more than a year and half. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we were able to widely deliver on our promise to our customers to provide them with the outstanding service they require and keep the global supply chains running not least due to your endurance and flexibility.

However, latest data shows the situation is again deteriorating and our hopes to move back to pre-covid normality by the end of this year must be postponed. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, as of 1 September 2021, there have been 217,558,771 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4,517,240 deaths, reported to WHO.

Seafarers encounter numerous persons, often in high-risk places. They do not have the option to insist on distancing and other norms, increasing their risk of contracting the virus. Due to changed entry regulations, seafarers are currently often denied permission to be landed ashore in case of an infection or other medical emergency and left on board without advanced medical care.

The last days of summer are once again bringing more travel complications, as countries are increasingly deluged with rising daily infection rates and specifically, the new virus variants such as the Delta variant. Countries’ safe lists for travellers are changing rapidly with countries being moved from one category to another or totally banned which will continue to adversely affect our ability to facilitate crew changes.

Over the last weeks, many of our owners and charterers have approached us with the instruction to prioritize embarkations of vaccinated seafarers or even impose a crew change ban for unvaccinated seafarers as they fear that governments and authorities could restrict our crews' freedom to move, travel, embark or disembark and such restrictions will undoubtedly affect the costs through operating delays or even vessel downtime. There is a general understanding that unvaccinated seafarers not only pose a higher health risk for themselves and others but also will more likely remain at sea beyond their contracts or will experience substantial delays when getting planned and scheduled to join the vessel.

Protecting the wellbeing of seafarers but also our capability to operate our fleet without disruptions and in line with existing agreements with our clients is becoming a big challenge which we will not be able to overcome without your support. Extended vaccination coverage of our fleet will be the only feasible approach to protect your health as well as the company’s and our clients’ interests. We therefore call on everyone of you to get vaccinated.

We understand that this is a very personal decision, but your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the colleagues directly around you is of utmost importance to us. While we have many protective measures in place to minimise the risks and ensure your safety, in the long run, vaccination will be the only way forward for everybody, let alone seafarers and their families, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Being vaccinated also benefits your ability to travel more freely. Already now, we see that several ports are restricting crew changes to vaccinated crew only. Let us not forget that only one year ago some of you have been at sea for more than 18 months. We do not wish to see this situation repeating.

We are aware that there is still a lot of uncertainty on the topic of vaccination, and you may have lots of questions. Your local CSC or SMC representative will be happy to put you in touch with a medical professional to discuss your concerns. In addition, I would like to draw your attention to the attached guide “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies: A Practical Guide, Your Questions Answered” which we personally found very helpful and providing some good insights.

We also understand that due to the nature of your work, busy travel schedules as well as local availability of vaccines it can be challenging to get vaccination. However, we want you to know that we are here to support you overcoming these hurdles, no matter if you are currently on shore leave at home or on board at sea. BSM is, via local medical facilities, arranging for vaccinations for our crew members currently at sea whenever possible. We also fully support and bear all costs related to purchase and administration of vaccines in your home country, including countries with restricted availability.

To find out how we can support you best in getting your vaccination, please contact your local CSC or SMC representative, us or the HR Marine team anytime. Together we can stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Stay safe and healthy!

Ian Beveridge
Chief Executive Officer

Eva Rodriguez
Director HR Marine