Perhaps no wonder, then, that “permacrisis” has been named as the word of the year by the editors of the Collins English Dictionary. Defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity”, it seems to summarize what many of us have been navigating for quite some time now.
In the midst of this, Gard’s role is to provide stability and reassurance. We are here to help. Focusing on the fundamentals – understanding risks and preventing losses – we have delivered yet another year with remarkably strong insurance results, reconfirming the high quality of our Membership. This leaves us well-positioned to face the future. It means that we can continue to offer stable and competitive premiums to our Members and clients. It means that we can continue to provide support and guidance when you need us. In times like these, that is perhaps more important than ever.
With the holiday season approaching for many, another topic needs to be stressed: the continued need to put seafarers’ welfare front and centre. Positive changes are happening in many regards – Gard launched an international medical app this year, tailored specifically to seafarers. Moreover, the pandemic is receding in many countries, and some of the crew change challenges we have grappled with over the last few years have largely been resolved. The fact remains, however, that many of the world’s seafarers continue to be under significant pressure. Some are even persecuted and criminalized, with little or no regard for basic human rights. A grim reminder that our work for seafarer justice is far from done.
Faced with these and other challenges, the maritime industry needs to show what we are made of. We need to work together, and to rally around our shared principles and our shared institutions – the IMO, the ICS, and the International Group of P&I Clubs to mention a few. Standing alone, we can only do so much. Standing together, we can do a lot. Together, we can work for a fairer, safer, and more sustainable maritime industry.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and support this past year. On behalf of all of us here at Gard, I hope you stay safe and well, and I wish you a peaceful holiday season.
**Rolf Thore Roppestad**Chief Executive Officer
