Ocean Group Seminar Series 2020
Challenges regarding the carriage of goods by sea and health protection under the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract:
The new coronavirus has trade and health implications in the realm of both private and public law. For instance, shipping companies such as A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, CMA CGM SA or Evergreen Marine Corp reduced or cancelled sailings in the first trimester of 2020. On the other hand, the International Maritime Organization has reinforced the role of flag State and port State authorities, as well as control regimes to facilitate cooperation in the context of the outbreak (Circular Letter No. 4,204/Add.1 of 19 February 2020). The European Union has taken further steps to ensure safe navigation standards by relying on ‘guidelines on protection on health, repatriation and travel arrangements for seafarers, passengers and other persons on board ships’. Industry representatives such as INTERTANKO, have introduced new COVID-19 (‘Coronavirus’) Clauses for voyage and time charterparties. The presentation discusses these additional operational requirements and the potential effects for shipping operators.
About the speakers:
Dr. Jonatan Echebarria Fernández has recently joined the City Law School as Lecturer in Law teaching Commercial Law and Contract Law, among other subjects. He holds a PhD in Law from the Copenhagen Business School (CBS). His research interests span from Maritime and Commercial disputes to European Private International Law.