Seafarers UK, alongside other leading maritime organisations, has requested Inmarsat Maritime and KVH Industries to facilitate the granting of additional free data and free Satellite calls for seafarers aboard vessels on international voyages for the next three months, while the global Coronavirus crisis continues.
The maritime sector, like many others, is being severely impacted by the global Coronavirus outbreak, but it is the main industry that keeps world trade moving and seafarers are key to this.
Seafarers on board vessels are being badly affected, often unable to leave their ship because of port state and other restrictions. They are having to stay on board for a lot longer than they signed up for and are being prevented from going ashore. Many seafarers are also stranded and unable to return to their home countries.
This generous move will help enable seafarers to alleviate their sense of isolation and also reduce their anxiety about the situation of their family and friends back home.
