THE global shipping industry will
be at the forefront when the world economy recovers after the Covid-19 pandemic,
a view held by Panos
Kimidis, CEO Palau International Ship Registry (PISR).
However, the sector will not
emerge unscathed and there will be economic casualties and any recovery will
take time. What we must see in the next 12 months is a greater awareness of the
working conditions of seafarers and the benefits of digital operations.
The global recovery won't happen
overnight and the 'new world' we emerge into will be one focused more on
digital technology and the human element because if we have learned anything
from this pandemic, it is that there are weaknesses in the operational chain,
Mr Kimidis said in his commentary in the Seatrade
Maritime News, Colchester, UK.
"If you can't get to a ship,
can't conduct a survey or inspection, then that is a weakness of the current
system. But the solutions are not in the far future, they are here and now, and
we have been providing them for shipowners. We must re-evaluate the way we
conduct business in the shipping world and move into the world of digital
operations.
"Over the past months of the
pandemic we have concentrated on supporting ship owners as a digital ship
registry through our network of Deputy Registrars who are working with ship
owners and operators to mitigate the effects of the current pandemic crisis by
supporting them with our digital services and remote operations. It is this
emphasis on bringing future digital operations into the present that has
enabled us to support them during this difficult period," PISR CEO said.
Mr Kimidis notes that one of the
most depressing issues arising from the pandemic has been the effects on
seafarers. "Lockdowns and restricted movements have meant they are either
unable to leave their ships or trapped on land unable to join vessels. Not only
has the pandemic caused serious financial pressures on the industry but it has
impacted on the mental health of seafarers. This is an issue not only for crew
but also for their employers. This is an area that we need to pay a great deal
more attention to post-Covid."
Seafarers are still a vital
element of the shipping world and this pandemic has been a wake-up call in
relation to the their working conditions. It has exposed this area of
operations as a real weakness and yet we have the solutions.
"We must put our faith in
digital technology to regenerate the shipping world. The pandemic has
illustrated how much we need to be able to continue operations without the
physical presence needed in so many aspects of the industry.
"My concern from the start
of the lockdowns was the health and safety of my employees and fleet personnel.
Only by technology and remote operations could we operate without jeopardising
their safety," he said.
"Progress may be slow in the
initial months following the lifting of global lockdowns but the shipping world
is already moving. The sector has always been slow to change. This is partly
due to the complex nature and scope of the IMO and changes often take a long
time to come into action. Post-Covid this is unlikely to continue and we are
already seeing the introduction of regulatory changes that will allow progress
related to Port State Control and certifications, insurance cover and remote
surveys for ships. There are both operational and financial benefits of using
these technology tools so I can see a tangible benefit for the shipping sector
in adopting and adapting to new technology."
Digital services are the way
forward and there should be no place for those who cannot see the future here
and now, Mr Kimidis stressed.
Source : HKSG.
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