Italy's port administrations have accepted a request from the country's ship operators to revise regular crewing arrangements in view of the halt to passenger volumes on services to and from Italy's many small islands following the Covid-19 national health emergency.
Confitarma and Assarmatori, the two main operators' associations, are seeking to reduce temporarily the number of onboard crew based on passenger and freight loads transported on each crossing and therefore reduce costs in ensuring reduced lifeline services.
Services with fewer crew members would limit the possibilities of exposure to the disease to seafarers, the associations said.
A planned meeting in Rome to discuss terms of the agreements between employers and unions will involve major operators such as Grimaldi, Moby, Tirrenea, Grandi Navi Veloci, Adria Ferries and Corsica Ferries.
The meeting is expected to recommend that port authorities, operators and union agree urgent provisional arrangements for a maximum 90 days, limited to the period of the national health emergency.
Tags
More articles
Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus
Nautilus urges Member States to follow new IMO guidance on crew changes and repatriation
Nautilus has urged all International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States to follow new guidance on crew changes and repatriation during the Covid-10 pandemic.
ITF criticises flag states for failing to protect health during coronavirus
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has criticised flag states for failing to protect seafarer and passenger health during the coronavirus pandemic as cruiseships are repeatedly refused permission to dock and disembark passengers amid precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.
New maritime security guidance for mariners operating off West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea
New maritime anti-piracy guidance has been created for seafarers operating off West Africa amid increased attacks in what are already extraordinary global conditions for cargo and container crew keyworkers.
Nautilus flags UK Government support measures for members
Nautilus has joined forces with the RMT and the UK Chamber of Shipping to demand clarity over specific measures to support the maritime industry from UK Shipping Minister Kelly Tolhurst.
ILO calls for seafarer protection during Covid-19 pandemic
The International Labour Organisation has fired a warning shot to government and employers urging them to respect international labour standards for seafarers and to 'keep a human-centred approach' for all workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Indian ports declare force majeure to contain coronavirus spread
Several major Indian ports including the largest private port operators, have declared force majeure as the country tries contain coronavirus spread.
Australia demands German cruise ship leave its waters 'immediately'
Australia demands German cruise ship leave its waters 'immediately'
Plea for ship suppliers to be recognised as essential workers
Ship suppliers should be given 'essential worker' status to enable them to keep ships stocked with vital supplies and spare parts needed during the global coronavirus pandemic, the International Ship Suppliers & Services Association (ISSA) said.