Study on the Maritime Transport Sector in the COVID-19 Era: Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward

The study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the maritime transport sector, with specific focus on seafarers and other maritime crew on-board ocean-going ships’ working conditions resulting from governments’ cross-border policies/measures implemented. The study also includes an assessment on the economic costs that emerged from the imposition of the aforementioned policies and regulations, as well as the opportunities and challenges for firms as they leveraged on technology, innovation and other trends to continue its operations. The study builds on the discussion from the APEC Policy Roundtable for the Safe Passage of APEC Maritime Crew held in 2022. To contribute in fostering resilient and efficient supply chains, the study also identifies a list of policy recommendations that will support a strong global economic and trade recovery by facilitating the cross-border movement of maritime crew across the Asia-Pacific region.