Interferry calls for government financial assistance during coronavirus pandemic

Interferry has warned that ferry operators need government backing to offset unsustainable losses incurred – expected to be in the billions of dollars – while maintaining lifeline services during the coronavirus pandemic

The trade association, on behalf of its members, is calling for all levels of government across the globe to include the ferry industry in their respective coronavirus financial aid packages. Interferry said this support would be crucial for ferry operators to continue providing essential services to the communities they serve during these unprecedented times, and to ensure that critical infrastructure and personnel are available once the global economy begins to recover.

Specifically, Interferry is asking for support for the ferry industry from various levels of government as follows:

• direct financial support to replace lost and severely reduced revenues;
• provision of interest free loans;
• tax relief from payroll taxes and other government imposed taxes; and
• relief from fixed port fees (where applicable).

The ferry industry transports more than two billion passengers annually – equivalent to the airline industry – along with 250 million personal vehicles and 40 million trucks and trailers. Worldwide, coronavirus travel restrictions have significantly reduced the number of passengers carried, and in many locations have closed passenger ferry service entirely. However, many Ro-Pax operators continue to provide freight service even though they are no longer able to transport passengers or personal vehicles.

“Ferry operators understand the essential role they play in keeping the supply chain channels open,” said Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan. “These companies continue to provide lifeline service, recognising they are incurring mounting financial losses that are unsustainable over the longer-term. Operators are reporting declines in passenger traffic between 75 and 100 per cent and reductions in vehicle traffic of more than 50 per cent.

“Interferry would also like to recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices that ferry crews across the globe are making to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of vital goods. With families at home to worry about, and an end to the coronavirus crisis still unknown, ferry crews are showing up for work each day to ensure that ships sail and goods get delivered.”

More stories from the current Passenger Vessel Week here