Wilhelmsen insights

Ship management during COVID-19 pandemic

Wilhelmsen Ship Management shares proactive measures done to ensure uninterrupted operability of our fleet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wilhelmsen insights |
WIlhelmsen Ship Management (updated 27 July 2020)

In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation, we have implemented the following operational adjustments to secure the well-being of our employees and crew as we strive to deliver an uninterrupted operability of our fleet. 

Crew change procedures

We have aligned our crew change procedures as per IMO's recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe crew changes and travel during COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Crew change and shore leave

We note that some countries/cities are implementing lockdown to contain the viral spread. This has had a major impact on future crew changes. We will try our level best to do crew change where possible and when risk mitigation conditions are met. We are proactively evaluating the situation to ensure that our crew can be relieved as soon as possible.
 

Crew motivation

We understand this is an extremely difficult period for the crew to be away from home and family. We are implementing some initiatives to enable crew to increase their interaction time with their family.  We have also heightened our mental health awareness messages and extending further support from shore by having frequent casual discussions with crew to address the concerns surrounding the progress of the pandemic.
 

Communication

We have heightened our communication frequency with our vessels through port updates and safety bulletins. It is essential to keep the crew updated on the latest progress of the outbreak situation and measures for protection.

Port call

When calling at port, crew must take precautionary measures to protect themselves. Crew are familiarized with the safety guidelines focusing on safety measures to be taken prior to calling, during stay and after departure.

Overdue surveys

With the global travel restrictions in place, inspectors and auditors from class societies are unable to go onboard to carry out surveys. This means due certifications are unable to be renewed in time and flagstate dispensations must be done to ensure validity of the certifications. We are following closely with flagstate requirements to align our mitigation plans if travel restrictions continue beyond dispensation time frame. 

Remote audits

We have conducted remote internal audits. The remote audits are carried out by video calls and based on our internal audit checklist, involving senior officers on-board and internal auditor verifying the system from shore. The remote internal audits are approved by flag and supported by class.
 

Disruption in supply chain

The main challenges faced are limited availability of air cargo, service engineers, delivery and logistics options. This could mean longer delivery time for ships to receive their spares and stores. We have increased our vigilance to ensure ships will not be exposed to the risk of spares and stores shortages.  

Social distancing of shore employees

Some of us are operating from home as required by local government recommendations. The affected offices will be operating under their business continuity plan to ensure continuity of services. This arrangement will continue until further notice. 

Stepping up cyber security

Working from home as securely as possible during the pandemic is high on our agenda. We have stepped up our cyber security initiatives and communicated the guidelines to all employees. Employees are reminded to stay vigiliant as we expect an increase in fraud attempts.

Response to impact

We have yet to see the full scale of the impact. But we expect the impact of this pandemic to be felt throughout the industry, although differently for different stakeholders. We are proactively doing scenario planning and adjustments in our systems and processes to accomodate the anticipated changes. 

As we work closely with global and national authorities to ensure our service delivery to you remains uninterrupted, we will continue to keep you updated on the progress of our efforts.

 

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