Page 37: of Marine News Magazine (May 2020)

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INLAND WATERWAYS “The long-term effects on our business are still undetermined. . .There is too much uncertainty at this point to provide definitive guidance on the long-term impact from

COVID-19 on our markets.” the company has worked with custom- tinued on U.S. rivers through COV- ers to prepare for the impact of COV- ID-19, profound short- and long-term

ID-19 and to ensure essential goods are impacts are to be expected. “The inland delivered safely. “Our vessels continue to marine transportation industry is not operate, our shipyards continue to pro- immune to the effects of COVID-19 vide critical services, and our tankermen on operations and demand for our ser- continue to transfer products. These are vices,” Stephaich said.

functions that are necessary to provide COVID-19’s immediate impacts are essential goods to the public.” glaring, and short-term effects are begin- “Our focus remains on the health and ning to come into focus. “It’s apparent safety of our personnel and the public that we will realize a new normal. Our and therefore our response has been very way of operating has been changed due proactive,” Stephaich said, noting that to the threat of this pandemic,” Stepha- good preparation and training practices ich said. “I envision enhanced screening have made inland marine transportation and testing protocols will remain for an industry better suited than most to deal extended period of time. I also believe with emergency response. we have learned how to better utilize

In March, Campbell implemented an technology in our regular operations.” incident command team that has coor- Looking further down the line, Stepha- dinated with health of?cials and author- ich said the outlook becomes hazy: “The ities to ensure best practices to maintain long-term effects on our business are still the health and safety of company per- undetermined. . . There is too much un- sonnel throughout the unde?ned out- certainty at this point to provide de?ni- break period, Stephaich said. tive guidance on the long-term impact “Some of the changes we have made from COVID-19 on our markets.” are social distancing requirements at all “Certain industries we serve will like- facilities, enhanced restricted access to ly be in a prolonged downturn due to vessels and facilities, work from home the economic slowdown we are experi- requirement for of?ce personnel, and encing,” he said. “Energy markets are

COVID-19 screening protocol prior to being impacted due to reduced demand crew change of the vessels or shift change and an oversupply from the Russia and at facilities,” Stephaich said. “These Saudi market disruptions.” new processes have changed the way we “We still believe there is an essential work, but I’m happy to report we have need for low-cost transportation of bulk managed through them effectively and products in the future,” Stephaich add- have no reported cases of COVID-19 at ed. “That provides us with certainty that any of our facilities or vessels.” our high-quality equipment and person-

While transport operations have con- nel will still be in demand.” www.marinelink.com