GENEVA— Jan. 26, 2021— Minerva Bunkering’s fleet management division MM Marine, today joins more than 300 companies and organizations in signing the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. Managing and operating one of the world’s largest and most modern fleets dedicated to bunkering service, and employing more than 500 mariners, MM Marine has a responsibility to help ensure that the crew change crisis is resolved as soon and effectively as possible.
“Minerva Bunkering is committed to the health and well-being of our team and to improving the quality of life for all crew working across the shipping industry. The integral role that seafarers play in facilitating global trade has never been more important. The Neptune Declaration represents a call to action and addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing seafarers during the current era of COVID-19 restrictions,” said Minerva CEO Tyler Baron.
The declaration defines four principal steps to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning:
• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practices
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers
The Neptune Declaration has been developed by a taskforce of stakeholders from across the maritime value chain including A. M. Nomikos, Cargill, Dorian LPG, GasLog, Global Maritime Forum, International Chamber of Shipping, International Maritime Employers’ Council, International Transport Workers’ Federation, ONE, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Sustainable Shipping Initiative, Synergy Group, V. Group, and World Economic Forum.
Learn more about the Neptune Declaration and see the full list of undersigning companies and organizations here, https://www.globalmaritimeforum.org/content/2020/12/The-Neptune-Declaration-on-Seafarer-Wellbeing-and-Crew-Change.pdf