As you are well aware, Odfjell has implemented strict precautionary procedures to protect our people and prevent Covid-19 from coming on board our ships. Since the outbreak, several lessons have been learned and our procedures have been amended accordingly along the way. These measures have been largely successful thanks to the diligent efforts of all of you through these extra challenging and unprecedented times.
We have had some suspected cases over the past month after routine tests among on- and off-signers for Bow Lind, Bow Flora and Bow Explorer. Fortunately, everyone involved is healthy and has subsequently been cleared with negative test results.
Every time there is a possible Covid-19 incident, a dedicated team assembles in the shore organization to secure the best support and follow-up of the affected seafarers, Captain and crew, and to plan the operational and commercial logistics.
The team consists of relevant stakeholders from the organization, including Ship Management, Chartering, Operation and the relevant offices. Project leader of the team is VP Projects, Geirmund Drivenes.
The pandemic also leads to strict measures in our shore organization and at the terminals, with most colleagues working from home. As of mid-September, the status is as follows:
Manila: Up to 50% are working from the office.
Bergen, Singapore, Houston, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Durban, Dubai, Mumbai: 100% home office.
Ulsan and Shanghai: 100% at office. Tokyo and Seoul: 50-70% at office.
Odfjell Terminals US and Noord Natie Odfjell Antwerp Terminal: Non-essential personnel work from home.
Odfjell Terminals Korea and Odfjell Nangang Terminals Tianjin: 100% activity at the terminals.
“We are capable of amazing things, and we will get through this – possibly even more competent and definitely with a whole new pack of work/life experiences under our belt. At some point, we will meet again and look back at this time, knowing that we did all we could to keep our communities safe and healthy.
And not only that; we also do our part as a company to keep the world trade logistics chain intact in a time of ground-breaking disruption. By this, we secure supplies of nutrition, medicine and a range of products people around the world depend on – some now more than ever. Our customers face volatile and unpredictable markets these days. We must continue to be their trusted and stable partner by delivering world-class services, safely and efficiently. As you have seen, several countries rank the maritime industry as one of the most essential during this worldwide crisis. Be proud of the work you do every day, it makes a big difference!”
Kristian Mørch, CEO
