The document is a Global Maritime Forum project and has been signed by more than 450 major shipping, oil and gas and other industries.

Companies who have signed the document are committed to taking steps as soon as possible to address the crew change issue, including their partners and government authorities in the process.

"The lack of timely crew changes leads to the violation of the seafarers' labour rights and creates significant safety risks due to the stress and fatigue of crew members after extended periods at sea, leading to decreased concentration and motivation. Sovcomflot seafarers must be sure that their employer, together with its partners and clients, is doing everything necessary to ensure that the crews return home on time," aid Sergey Popravko, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PAO Sovcomflot.

Before boarding the vessel, during the voyage and while going ashore, Sovcomflot takes a series of steps to monitor the health of each crew member.

Only after the coronavirus test is passed are all rotating crews permitted to go on board, then the crew members are held for medical observation for two weeks and, if necessary, take a second test.

Thanks to the timely integration of digital solutions into all key operating processes, between 95 and 100 per cent of our shore-based staff have migrated to remote work.

PAO Sovcomflot is one of the world's leading energy shipping companies, specializing in the transport of crude oil, petroleum and liquefied gas products, as well as in the processing of offshore oil and gas.

Maritime Business World