The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has reduced the 14-day quarantine period to seven days if the crew member comes from Brunei or New Zealand

The ITF says it understands the need for flexibility during the pandemic, but short cuts taken ‘by some in the industry have gone too far, for too long’. It is urging governments and industry to better enforce Solas and other international rules

‘We have all the procedures in place for safe and dedicated passage, but unfortunately what we do not have is control over crew change in other countries,’ says Singapore Shipping Association president Caroline Yang

Eastern Pacific Shipping has taken delivery of the first of its box newbuilds boasting modern, colourful crew quarters, gyms and messes, as well as better internet for seafarers. The company says owners and managers must show tangible benefits to potential recruits to attract younger generations to life at sea

Shipping has been working to get thousands of seafarers home not because of a legal obligation but because it is the right thing to do. Managing seafarers’ expectations is key at every stage

The Maersk Etienne impasse exposed serious gaps in international law, with no clear instruction about what happens next after anyone in difficulty at sea is rescued. Politicians must find a solution quickly or lives will be lost and seafarers could essentially become political hostages

The $566bn asset manager has joined calls to designate seafarers as key workers as hundreds of thousands remain trapped at sea or unable to board vessels, putting ships, their crews and cargoes at greater risk of casualties

The general public needs to be made more aware of the essential role of seafarers, a panel of shipmanagers said at the Capital Link China Shipping Forum. Questions also raised on who is bearing the increased cost of crew changes

This is the first French compliance with IMO resolution for trial of MASS vessel. Next step is to validate the remote operation concept on a newbuilding designed for the offshore support sector