A new online COVID-19 tracking tool developed by global marine insurer North has been made available as a shared resource to the International Group of P&I Clubs.
The system, first launched by North in February, details the spread of COVID-19 and the numerous response measures that have been introduced globally within a single digital dashboard, incorporating country and port specific advice for ship owners, charterers and operators.
The interactive tool draws on information provided by International Group (IG) club correspondents worldwide, as well as the International Maritime Organization and World Health Organization.
Data also comes from Wilhelmsen Ship Management and ship agency company GAC, while the dashboard includes a continuously updated map of the pandemic’s spread from John Hopkins University.
“Delivering up-to-date information from well-respected international sources, combined with the insights from the P&I club members of the IG, this new tool will help the maritime community better understand and track the extent of COVID-19 worldwide,” said North Chief Executive Paul Jennings.
“This can help protect businesses and most importantly safeguard the lives of the seafarers whom we depend upon daily to keep our local communities supplied with essential goods.”
Live updates on the number of confirmed cases of the virus, countries at risk and what to look out for would put stakeholders in a better position to identify commercial risks and physical threats to shipping, he added.
To date, enquiries made to North related to COVID-19 have focused on the way port precautions and border measures were hindering crew repatriations, and problems in delivering general medical care. Mr Jennings notes that other early issues to emerge include repair contracts for vessels at shipyards and when force majeure provisions might apply, as well as bespoke COVID-19 clauses within charter parties.
