Our response to Covid-19
When the global pandemic hit the maritime industry, we responded.
For V.Group's historic Covid-19 updates, click here
Our Covid stats
40K+
Seafarers Repatriated
100+
Crew Nationalities
1K+
Vessels
Where it began...
In March 2020, Covid-19 arrived, resulting in an unprecedented response across the maritime industry. The announcement of the global pandemic and restrictions in every country meant we had to react quickly, nimbly and decisively, ensuring attention was directed to the practical needs of customers and the plight of seafarers during this challenging time.
Despite a challenging backdrop, V.Group emerged from 2020 as one of the most active and engaged operators, listening and providing reassurance to its customers and its people.
Although the pandemic remains, the strength of our operating model will continue to create value for our customers, which sits at the centre of all we do. We continue to have a leading voice in the market to highlight key industry issues. Everything we do continues to focus on flawless service delivery as we continuously engage with our customers.
But there's still much to do...
“There needs to be recognition that seafarers are the lifeblood of trade. Them not being accepted as key workers in various countries, that’s leading to a situation where they’re spending prolonged periods of time away from their families and that’s a humanitarian situation we should try and resolve.”
Graham Westgarth
Chairman, V.Group
Speaking to CIPS Supply Management, January 2021
What we did
WAYPOINT
We launched a customer newsletter, WayPoint, to share news both from the group but also from across the industry.
Keeping the maritime industry moving
Throughout the pandemic, via our travel arm Global Marine Travel (GMT), we worked hard to keep seafarers moving wherever we could to enable crew changes.
Flawless Service Delivery
GMT’s travel agents, as well as the wider organisation, received excellent feedback from clients, passengers and cruise planners following the response to the pandemic as borders closed on a global scale.
Focus on Crew Repatriation
In July 2020, we successfully repatriated 210 seafarers from 65 different vessels to their homes via a chartered aircraft from Amsterdam to Manila organized entirely by GMT’s dedicated team of travel experts.
Recovery of the Travel Industry
MD Tim Davey speculated on how the travel industry might recover from Covid-19 in the short term as borders began to open up.
Promoting Safe Travel
Most recently, we’ve looked at Global Health Pass apps to help reopen businesses and restore the global economy.
Contact us
We know the maritime industry like no-one else. Find out how our expertise can help you and your fleet.