"Disruption of Ship Operations Due to COVID-19 Infection Could Cause Economic Turmoil in Export-Dependent Countries"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] The Korea Shipping Association has requested the authorities to prioritize the administration of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, currently under discussion for introduction, to seafarers who are at the forefront of export operations.
On the 3rd, the Korea Shipping Association announced that it has conveyed this request to the government (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) and the National Assembly (National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries, and the Health and Welfare Committee).
The Korea Shipping Association expressed concern that if Korean seafarers become infected with COVID-19 and are unable to operate vessels, the national economy, which heavily depends on exports and imports, could fall into great confusion starting with the paralysis of major ports such as Busan, Incheon, Gwangyang, Ulsan, and Pyeongtaek.
Kim Young-moo, Executive Vice President of the Korea Shipping Association, stated, "Last spring, when there were difficulties in supplying masks to seafarers, the government’s emergency support of quarantine masks for seafarers was of great help," adding, "We expect that the quarantine authorities will also consider prioritizing the COVID-19 vaccine."
Meanwhile, the Korea Shipping Association plans to issue a statement urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and others to designate seafarers, who are key personnel in global logistics, as priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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