Sept. 11, 2015—The shipping industry faces a hit to profits from the escalating migrant crisis in Europe, the security manager at the world’s largest shipping association has warned.
And as commercial vessels play their part in the humanitarian crisis, there could also be an impact on trade around the Mediterranean Sea, said Philip Tinsley, maritime security manager at Baltic and International Maritime Council.
Under international conventions, any vessel spotting another ship in distress must go to the rescue, regardless of nationality, cargo or route. Commercial ships delivering goods from A to B would have to stop to take on board any migrants in trouble they meet on their way.
“They have got to deviate from their route to take them to port. It may mean that they miss a trade window at the other end, and that has repercussions financially,” said Tinsley.
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