Latest News

• Crew change and repatriation of seafarers - IMO establishes new module on GISIS

  12 April 2021

  The International Maritime Organization ( IMO) creates a new module on the Global Integrated Shipping Information System ( GISIS) for crew change and repatriation of seafarers and discontinues the issue of their MSC.7/circ.1 series.

• BIMCO COVID 19 weekly report

  09 April 2021

  The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO). BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 9 April 2021

• Masks to be worn on commercial ships while trading in US waters

  08 April 2021 | Updated 09 April 2021

  As part of COVID-19 safety the US has introduced new safety requirements in the maritime transportation system. This requires all persons, including crew members on board ships proceeding to and trading within the waters under US jurisdiction to wear a face mark while boarding, disembarking and for the duration of the travel. Crew members and port facility personnel may be exempt from wearing a mask only when actively performing a task that would create a health or safety risk if performed wearing a mask and should immediately wear a mask when the task is complete. This exemption does not apply to passengers.

• BIMCO supports global seabed mapping initiative

  08 April 2021

  Knowing the depth and shape of the seafloor (bathymetry) is fundamental for our understanding of ocean circulation, tides, sediment transport and environmental change. Currently, and despite many years of effort, less than 20 per cent of the ocean seafloor has been mapped. Therefore, BIMCO supports the Seabed 2030 initiative and encourages the industry to contribute with input into the project via an online survey.

• “Ever Given” Suez delays – who pays for the consequences?

  06 April 2021

  Although the container ship “Ever Given” was fortunately freed after less than a week blocking the Suez Canal, the consequences for owners and operators due to the delays caused may last for several weeks or even months.

• Shipping industry calls for common, global vaccination framework for seafarers

  29 March 2021

  A working group focusing on vaccinations within the shipping industry supports seafarers being vaccinated using WHO EUL approved vaccines provided by appropriate agencies in Member States.

• BIMCO COVID 19 weekly report

  26 March 2021

  The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO). BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 26 March 2021

• Security Guidance on Diverting Around the Cape of Good Hope to Avoid Suez

  26 March 2021

  The ongoing blockage of the Suez Canal has resulted in ships diverting south to transit around the Cape of Good Hope, potentially taking them through the High Risk Area. It is noted that whilst the threat of Somalia-based piracy is currently suppressed through a combination of military operations, application of BMP 5 and the presence of armed guards, an increase in maritime traffic through the area may present opportunities for Somali Pirate Groups to attack shipping. The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe.