Fincantieri extends suspension of production activity

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 26 March 2020 26 March 2020

Despite having already implemented all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its employees, Fincantieri has decided to further extend the work suspension in all its Military and Cruise Vessels production facilities and offices from March 30th until the date indicated in the decree of the President of the Council of Ministers adopted on March 22nd. This decision was made in consideration of the current COVID-19 situation, the need to continue contrasting the epidemiological phenomenon through stringent and incisive measures, and the dispositions set forth in the above-mentioned decree.

To this end, Fincantieri and representatives of the national Trade Unions FIM – FIOM – UILM signed an agreement to guarantee continuity in production at the end of the suspension.

In particular, the agreement sets forth that:

– the Company shall apply for Ordinary Redundancy Fund for “COVID-19 Emergency”, at zero hours, for all employees of all Company sites, as of March 30th and for the entire stoppage period envisaged by the decree as of today’s date;
– as an alternative to the Ordinary Redundancy Fund, employees may take accrued holidays/paid annual leave (PAL), with prior approval request;
– during the period of time covered by the Ordinary Redundancy Fund, all maintenance and safety activities and essential servicing of plants and facilities shall continue, as shall also all managerial and management activities that are strictly necessary to fulfil the Company’s current obligations and to carry out all activities that are preliminary to resuming production;
– the Company shall continue adopting smart work solutions where applicable, as determined by the specific work activities concerned and the availability of compatible IT equipment.

Moreover, given the need to extend the work suspension, the agreement redefines the type of economic compensation applied from March 16th to March 29th, 2020 (stoppage period). The agreement sets forth that instead of anticipating the regular two-week period of collective leave, employees will take holidays and/or PAL matured as of December 31st, 2019, and/or PAL hours matured in the year 2020, as envisaged in the current National Collective Labor Agreement.

Employees with insufficient remaining holidays or PAL hours to cover the stoppage period, may request individually that other relevant tools (holidays matured in 2020, hour bank, recovery leave, etc.) be applied to cover the 80 hours of the period concerned.

Lastly, in order to comply with the current product plan, the agreement sets forth that upon resuming the production activity, there will be no annual summer stoppage. Individual accrued holidays will be authorized as scheduled at every worksite after taking into consideration relevant technical and production needs.

Grandi Navi Veloci converts cruise ferry into floating hospital in Italy

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 March 2020 25 March 2020

Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), part of MSC Group, has converted the ferry ship Splendid into a floating hospital equipped for the assistance of patients with COVID-19 and those recovering.

GNV started working on the project together with classification society RINA in early March, in close coordination with Italy’s Liguria Health System and Civil Protection. Together they defined a suitable solution that could be implemented in a very short period to increase Liguria's hospital capacity and, where necessary, to serve other areas of the country.

The project has a high level of flexibility and scalability and can be quickly adapted to meet future needs of the Liguria Region as the COVID-19 emergency evolves. Stationed at Ponte Colombo in Genoa’s Ferry Terminal, the current solution offers 25 beds in single cabins, although it is possible to equip additional cabins up to a total of 400 beds. The floating hospital also features a heliport and dedicated areas to healthcare personnel and crew, organized to guarantee suitable standards, comfort and flexibility.

RINA's contribution has been at core to the project, thanks to its expertise in the field of certifications and inspections in the maritime sector, which the company has provided free of charge. RINA verified that the new floating hospital complied with current regulations, identifying the correct balance between safety protection, naval regulations, the medical needs of a hospital indicated by ASL, the regional health care authority, and the urgent need to find a means of helping authorities and the National Health Service to address the fight against COVID-19.

This initiative has seen the immediate action of numerous partners, who made available products and services free of charge to equip the ship with all the necessary supplies, including HP-Aruba, Alpha Trading, Artigo Rubber Flooring, San Giorgio del Porto, Auscomar, ItalBrokers, Le Navi Maritime Agency, Burger King, Covim, Emis, Giunti Editore, IdealService, Infomaster, Mantero Sistemi, Provveditoria Marittima Ligure Angelo Novelli and Ansaldo Naval Technical Studio.

Zaandam expected to arrive Port Everglades on March 30

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 24 March 2020 24 March 2020

Holland America Line announced the update of its Zaandam today. It is one of the last cruise ships still sailing with passengers.

30 (2.4%) and 47 crew (8%) have now reported to Zaandam’s medical center with influenza-like illness symptoms. Out of an abundance of caution and immediately after noting the early signs of elevated numbers of illness, all guests were asked to remain in their staterooms on March 22. There are 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board.

Zaandam is following response protocols that have been developed in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since it is flu season, and COVID-19 testing is not currently available on board, it is difficult to determine the cause of these elevated cases at this time.

Since all ports along Zaandam’s route are closed to cruise ships, Holland America Line has deployed Rotterdam to rendevous with Zaandam and provide extra supplies, staff, COVID-19 test kits and other support as needed. Carrying 611 crew and no guests, Rotterdam departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at 3 p.m. local time on March 22 and the current schedule is for the two ships to meet by the evening of March 26 off the coast of Panama.

"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is one of our highest priorities," Holland America said in a statement The ship has activated these precautionary measures out of an abundance of caution:

– As is our standard practice, all ill persons have been isolated and their close contacts placed in quarantine.
– Guests have been asked to remain in their staterooms and monitor their health. If they become symptomatic, they are asked to call the medical center for an evaluation and care from the ship’s medical professionals (at no charge).
– Meal service is being provided by room service until further notice. All public areas are closed.
– The entire ship is operating at maximum sanitation levels, including rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of public and crew areas.
– Crew who are not required for the safe operation of the ship are being quarantined. Those that are needed to maintain the ship’s operation are being asked to self-isolate when not performing essential functions, practice social distancing, self-monitor and report any illness to the Medical Center.
– Both internet and guest stateroom telephone services remain complimentary so that guests may stay in touch with their families.

Zaandam was sailing a South America voyage that departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 7 and was originally scheduled to end in San Antonio, Chile, on March 21. However, due to global health concerns, Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises in progress as quickly as possible and so guests could return home.

Zaandam provisioned in Valparaiso, Chile, March 20-21 and has plenty of food and fuel for the voyage to the U.S. "Our intention is to proceed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for arrival on March 30, however plans are still being finalized. Alternative options also are being developed. No one has been off the ship since March 14 in Punta Arenas, Chile."

Complimentary telephone counseling services from our care partner, Empathia, have been made available to guests and crew if they would like extra support during this time.

Cruise Europe member ports provide information on available facilities

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 22 March 2020 22 March 2020

Cruise Europe organization has provided following update on port operations across the region:

Presently Aberdeen Harbour has no restrictions on accepting cruise ships, but all access requests would be subject to review at time of request, according to Marlene Mitchell, Aberdeen Harbour Board. The maximum length overall that can be accommodated is 165m. Crew activity would be supported by the port agent as per standard operating terms, but in the event of any wellbeing challenges the port would implement standard health & safety procedures, again supported by the agent team.

Cruise ships can go alongside in Bergen under special conditions but only for bunkering/provision/water etc. Crew and passengers cannot go ashore which will be enforced by the port having police/security people on the pier. The City of Bergen does not want cruise vessels to come to Bergen, according to Frode Sagmo, cruise coordinator Port of Bergen, but if some crew want to sign off the decision will be taken by the politician/doctor.

The Port of Bodo cannot accommodate cruise ships for a longer period of time in the situation we are in, says Erlend Willumsen, director of market & development Port of Bodo. There is limited space in the port which is an important hub for transport of goods and supply. Quays need to be prioritised for this purpose. “In case of emergency it could be possible to place cruise ships on anchor in the region around Bodo.”.

Geirangerfjord cruise port is closed and the measure will apply until further notice - the situation is considered continuous, according to Rita Berstad Maraak Hamnesjef, port director Geirangerfjord Cruise Port.

The Port of Kalundborg is open but crew and passengers are not allowed to leave the ship and go ashore. However for now the government has accepted crew change under special guidelines. For one/two-day ships up to 285m in length and with 9.5m draught can be accommodated. However: “This size quays are used for other operations, such as container traffic etc, therefore this business has priority, and the quays can only be used on days when free,” explains Michael Larsen, Port of Kalundborg. “For longer period lay-bys etc we only have three smaller quays available: Quay 9 - 230m long but maximum length overall 160m/6.6m water depth (max draught up to the ship/pilot); Quay 4 - 100m/8m; Quay 3 - 120m/7.4m. Additional security measures are being implemented to make sure neither crew goes ashore or public goes to the ship. Larsen adds: “Kalundborg has a sheltered bay with good anchorage areas for even the biggest ships. From here provisions etc can be supplied by supply boats”.

The Port of Lyngdal is closed due to the coronavirus but anchorage is still available. To prevent the spread of the virus, the Chief of Police has decided to refuse foreign crew members shore leave in all ports in the Southwestern Police District, according to Anne Grete Loland, tourism manager, Lyngdal Kommune. The decision means that foreign crew members are not allowed to leave the ISPS area. The first call this year is expected on May 27.

The Port of Roenne is open to ships up to 350m with a water depth of 9m to 11m until May 1 but possibly longer depending on the present situation, according to Niels Lundberg, chief business officer cruise & PSO Port of Roenne. Crew restrictions would be according to the Danish Health Authorities.

St Malo can take cruise ships but only in the inner port (150m length overall entering by the lock). They will not be allowed on the mooring buoys. At least two vessels can be accommodated, but the cruise line should call the harbour master who will give the last decision and provide information about restrictions for crew, place and quantity, says Luis Lezcano, development director cruise Port of Saint-Malo & Cancale.

As at March 20, there are no restrictions in the Port of Seydisfjordur. One ship up to 150m long and with a maximum draught of 6m can be accommodated for as long as needed. Crew provisions would be arranged as and when needed, explains Adalheidur Borgthorsdottir, mayor, and managing director Port of Seydisfjordur. All quarantine and other guidelines issued by the Icelandic authorities must be strictly followed.

The Port of Southampton and ABP’s other UK ports remain open for business and continues to support the disembarkation and varied requirements of several cruise vessels. “With the situation changing daily, we are being as flexible as we can in providing options for operations, layup and anchorage for the full range of cruiseships in Southampton and across our 21 UK ports. We are working with all relevant bodies and partners to ensure this is carried out in the safest and most efficient way possible,” says Rebekah Keeler, commercial manager Associated British Ports (ABP).

As far as Spanish ports are concerned, cruise ships have not been allowed to call since March 13 at 00.00, with an extension until March 15 for disembarking passengers that return home. There is no common policy for ships requesting lay-by until return of operations. Further information is awaited.

The Finnish borders were closed as of 19 March but ports will stay open for necessary goods traffic, explains Antti Pekanheimo, coo Port of Turku. “However the Port of Turku might be able to receive cruise vessels lay-up under certain conditions for a short period of time. The berth places for larger vessels are reserved for the needs of liner traffic. Small vessels with a maximum length of 120m could be placed along the river Aura near the port. This is considered case by case.”

The Port of Ventspils is open to cruise ships up to a length of 240m but mooring dates and time will have to be set in advance in order tor avoid disturbing regular ferry traffic, says Artis Senkevics, head of commercial department Noord Natie Ventspils Terminals. Additional information will be needed in terms of crew provisions, security and health checks.

CE member ports continue to provide information on available facilities.