Outlining the challenges of Covid-19 health crises in Africa’s maritime industry: the case of maritime operations in marine warranty surveying practice

The relevance of carrying out marine warranty surveys (MWS) as mandatory insurable practice in mitigating associated operational risks within the offshore oil and gas industry, during the Covid-19 crises, was examined against the potential health risk and the various Covid-19 restrictions resulting from newly formed regulations. The health risk concerns to the surveyor and the impact of the Covid-19 policy restrictions for the surveyor’s business measured are against the risk of excluding MWS in assessing the suitability of procedures, analyses, and vessels involved in typical offshore marine operations. The purpose of any MWS undertakings ensures that all risks in operations, with potential to destroy property, life, and environment, are minimized—if not eliminated. A series of remote interviews across Africa and direct field observations were respectively conducted at the Takoradi port to develop an understanding of the MWS service product, to ascertain the conditions resulting from current challenges, and to determine contingencies and innovations to ensure full service. The study finds MWS service as paramount to the energy industry with its range of risk control checks for high-value assets and operations. Surveyors demonstrated high-levels of awareness for Covid-19 crises and regulatory policies while in adherence but noted challenges of high-cost and delays as by-products of the restrictions. Surveyors deemed site attendances as crucial in their practice at all time, though recognized the several social and technologically innovative approaches adopted industry-wide to facing the pandemic. The study highlights the need for ‘essential worker’ status and the introduction of innovative insurance packages. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-021-00220-7.