A Message from The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA)

I have always found writing a message for the BMA Flag something enjoyable, being able to share thoughts on developments both in shipping as such, but of course also on our relationship with the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the work of the Bahamas Shipowners Association. 

This time I find it more difficult. As the world was slowly coming out of the pandemic and we could finally see better chartered waters ahead, we are hit on an everyday basis by news of the devastating situation in the Ukraine following the Russian invasion. We had only just started to get back to a bearable situation where we again were able to carry out crew changes and repatriation on a half regular basis.

Without touching on the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine and effects of this, I would like to turn my attention to the situation of our seafarers and in particular our Ukrainian and Russian crewmembers. Many of you will already be aware that approximately 14% of seafarers in the world shipping fleet are either Ukrainian or Russian. From this follows that many of us as Shipowners and Managers will be directly affected by the war, ranging from the psychological situations for those seafarers onboard and the situation in mixed crews to the most basic and important issues such as payment of salaries and repatriation. There are of course also issues of great financial importance such as joint ownership, cargoes and class which are all issues demanding our immediate attention following the sanctions against Russia. 

Throughout the pandemic owners Flagged with the Bahamas have enjoyed the fantastic support of The BMA under the leadership of Capt. Dwain Hutchinson. We have seen a very pragmatic approach to supporting owners and managers, examples of this are how administrative processes have been digitalised, inspections have been done remotely, and certificates for both seafarers and ships have been extended. During the periods of lockdowns around the world, The BMA as such has continued with business as usual and even stepped up their game ☆ and we eagerly await the publication of the new Merchant Maritime Act. 

During winter the BSA and BMA had a meeting with the US Coast Guard, and although far from all of you will have ships calling on US ports, the information we received at the meeting is very positive indeed. Bahamas flagged ships are still on the Qualship 21 scheme and now over a third of ships on the even more stringent eZero scheme are Bahamas flagged. This of course shows the high quality of crews, ships and management; your crews, ships and your hard work on maintaining those very high standards. This was further underlined by the recently published ICS Flag Comparison Table, where the Bahamas ranked top among the world flags. 

The BSA is continually striving to provide its Members with the best possible support. We do this through working closely with The BMA and through the International Chamber of Shipping, where we play an important role. Something which I have addressed before, is my role as Chair of the ICS Long-term Measures Working Group, through which we have formulated the ideas for proposals to the IMO on the Research and Development Fund, the IMRB, and MBMs as ways to reach the targets of the IMO GHG Strategy. Also, the BSA Manager Anders Brodje, represents us at the numerous ICS Committees, Sub-committees, and Panels, but also attends meetings with the ILO and IMO. I know Anders is constantly seeking input from Members on issues to be discussed at the ICS, and I strongly encourage Members to use this channel to raise matters which need the attention of the ICS and the international regulatory bodies such as the IMO and ILO. I know Anders has supported numerous Members during the pandemic, in particular crewing issues, where he has worked through the ICS to reach the ITF central body as well as through the international network of other Shipowners Associations around the world.

In closing, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and determination to keeping the very high level of quality associated with the Bahamas flag ☆ this is extremely valuable to all of us. I would also urge you to stay focused on the situation of our seafarers, not only those still affected by the pandemic, but also those more recently so hardly hit by the war in Ukraine. Please do your outmost in this very pressed situation.