With Covid-19 sending shockwaves across the world, every sector, including our shipping industry has been rattled to a great extent. As this pandemic is showing no sign of subsiding, we have to improve our strategies to cope with this adversity. In the wake of Covid-19, over 120 countries have declared and implemented restrictions. Amid these challenges, do you think it would be the right decision to invest in passenger ferries for sale? We suggest you do no guesswork and consult with a shipbroker company instead. Find here how the shipping industry and its all participants must cope with the impacts of Covid-19.
Robust operations & supply chain –
Since the transportation of critical cargo must continue despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19, the shipowners must ensure proper operations of vessels and replenishment of essential spares & provisions to avoid stock-outs. In this regard, the UNCTAD’s action plan requires the states to follow the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code to confirm an uninterrupted flow of cargo and maintain a robust supply chain (unctad.org).
To maintain continuity of business, the shipping companies also need to liaise with vessel suppliers and third parties in order to check if they can continue delivering important allowable services to keep voyages operational during this time. Overall, from the states to the stakeholders, everyone needs to pitch in for continued port operations.
Building a communication strategy –
At a time, when minimal physical contact is desirable, embracing digital form of communication becomes essential. Even though goods need to be transported physically, the information exchange and clearance operations can be done using electronic alternatives instead of paper-based documents.
So, if you have recently invested passenger ferries for sale, you must turn towards automation and facilitate the electronic submission of payments, licenses, and permits. Also, since increased digital activities may expose your business to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, you should ensure the proper application of anti-malware protection, backup solutions, encryptions, and identity management system on remote access systems.
Ensuring the safety of seafarers & passengers –
Today, seafarers are on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis, and as such need sufficient medical assistance and worldwide support. Shipping companies need to maintain full visibility of all officers and crew who are on board and stuck due to travel restrictions. Further, ship owners need to identify voyages and crew that have not been able to go onboard because of lockdown in some ports.
International Chamber of Shipping has also published the guidelines that ship operators must follow to keep all seafarers safe and protected (ics-shipping.org). Be it implementing pre-boarding screening, or raising awareness among the seafarers and also passengers, ship owners & operators must prepare the outbreak management plan and comprehensive wellness program to prevent the spread of coronavirus on ships or ferries.
Conclusion –
From the above discussion, it is clear that ships are still on the move, but several guidelines have come up to combat Covid-19 in the overall shipping industry today. Cannot decide if you should buy passenger ferries for sale? You should talk to a shipbroking company and understand if this is the right time to invest at all. Consulting the experts will also help you know how the marine industry faring and when it is going to be safe to invest in a ferry or a ship. To book an appointment with Norwegian Ship Sales, you can call at +47 6754 1925 / +47 9177 6183.
