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ITF assists in repatriating seafarers from CMV ships in the UK

CRUISE Vasco da Gama at Tilbury.jpg
One of the ships is Vasco da Gama, pictured here at Tilbury
The International Transport Workers’ Federation has been assisting hundreds of seafarers aboard the six Cruise & Maritime Voyages vessels in Tilbury and Bristol.

The seafarers have been stranded for several months because of COVID-19 global travel restrictions, and many are now facing expired contracts and more than 12 months on board.

ITF and CMV parent Global Cruise Lines reached an agreement today that will see crew continue to be repatriated over coming days.

ITF involvement 'greatly assisted'

'We appreciate the good relations we have with the ITF and the support they are providing in these difficult times. Their involvement has greatly assisted us in speeding up the repatriation of all our valued crew members,' said Christian Verhounig, CEO of CMV/Global Cruise Lines.

CMV a victim of circumstances

'The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the maritime industry, especially the cruise industry. The ITF recognizes that this company is a victim of these circumstances,' ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said.

'The crew of the vessels are of many nationalities and we appreciate the continuing efforts of the company to arrange repatriations. We look forward to Global Cruise Lines returning to normal operations and to continuing the long-standing relationship with them,' Cotton added.