Essential worker” status needed across marine sector during pandemic

Ship suppliers should be given “essential worker” status to enable them to keep the world’s ships stocked with vital supplies and spare parts during the global coronavirus pandemic, says the International Ship Suppliers & Services Association (ISSA). Responding to complaints from ship supply companies that they are being prevented from delivering to ships in some ports, ISSA has written to the heads of the IMO and the World Customs Organization (WCO) asking for ship suppliers around the world to be given essential worker status. This would enable ship suppliers to undertake their important supply tasks unhindered.