Page 17: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2020)

INSIGHTS: INTERFERRY 2020 yearbook with various governmental bodies, notably the European Com- lenge of balancing lives and liveli- mission (EC), the executive arm of the European Union, which hoods, health and wealth. The ferry oversees the world’s largest ferry market by number of opera- industry will be no exception in hav- tors. Our ‘safe travel’ suggestions were widely refected in the ing to cope with change, which could even mean

EC’s own recommendations announced in mid-May, and we consolidation in terms of companies, routes and feets. hope this will give other national administrations the conf- However, we have overcome challenges throughout our dence that ferry operators are fully prepared for a phased, safe history. The COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing else we resumption of passenger services. have faced, but the same spirit and professionalism that saw us

In short, I am cautiously optimistic there will be some sort beat off the likes of fxed links and budget airlines will ensure of tourist season. It will most probably be on a ‘staycation’ that ferries remain a viable and irreplaceable force in the future. regionalized basis, but potentially it marks an important turn- ing of the page as we take the frst steps towards a long-awaited

The Author normality. I can see ferries becoming the favored mode of leisure travel in the current climate in view of their ability to ensure social distancing. And that consideration may also be

Corrigan to our advantage longer-term, because customer concerns over

Mike Corrigan is CEO of Interferry, the being closely confned in other modes are unlikely to be forgot- global voice for the ferry industry with ten any time soon. regulatory agencies and in matters of

Looking further ahead, there may well be a new norm in life safety and operational best practices.

at large as governments eventually solve the unenviable chal-

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