COVID-19: ICS, IAPH Urge G20 Leaders to Protect Maritime Sector, Global Supply Chains

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) have jointly called on G20 leaders to act quickly to protect global supply chains from the impact of COVID-19.

The joint letter has been sent to G20 government leaders and UN bodies ahead of their extraordinary G20 summit on June 24, 2020.

In an open letter, the two organizations representing the global shipping industry and the world’s ports and harbors stressed:

“In this time of global crisis, it is more important than ever to keep supply chains open and maritime trade and transport moving. Leadership from the G20 in calling for a co-ordinated approach by governments, working in conjunction with the UN International Maritime Organization, WHO, and other relevant agencies is therefore of the utmost importance.”

The organizations explained that 90% of global trade is transported by commercial shipping which moves the world’s food, energy and raw materials, as well as manufactured goods and components without which modern society cannot function.

“Shipping is the lifeblood of the world. Without the efficient and safe transportation of food, medical supplies, raw materials and fuel, countries could face an even more difficult situation than the one we are all facing,” Guy Platten, Secretary-General of ICS, commented.

“We need nations, led by the G20, to work together to provide coordinated rather than knee-jerk restrictions to protect us all from COVID-19. We need pragmatic, science-based and harmonised guidance for the global maritime sector that ensures the safe delivery of the goods that we are all going to rely upon in the coming months. This is a simple ask that can deliver a win-win for all.”

“Whilst the primary objective of protecting public health should not be jeopardised in any way, ports must remain fully operational with all their regular services in place, guaranteeing complete functionality of supply chains,” Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, said.

“Governments should support shipping, ports and transport operators in doing everything possible to allow transport of goods in and out of ports so that food, medicine and other vital supplies will continue to reach people worldwide.”

ICS is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.

IAPH member ports handle more than 60 percent of global maritime trade and around 80 percent of world container traffic.

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ICS, ITF Urge Govts to Ensure Uninterrupted Crew Changes and Keep World Trade Moving