Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

6 9 Photo: John Nedwidek / Interferry Interferry’s annual conferences allow key industry players to share updates on the global ferry sector and discuss new challenges and opportunities MIKE CORRIGAN A Canadian former energy industry executive, Mike Corrigan joined Interferry in 2017 after 14 years in leadership positions with BC Ferries, where he became president and CEO in 2012. W ith the Covid-19 cloud still overshadowing everyday life, there’s no escaping bad news along with the good, but we have to remain positive. On the upside, Interferry’s annual conference successfully returned in October 2021 after being cancelled in 2020, and our regulatory lobbying continues to influence sector-specific solutions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At a time of unprecedented crisis, every step towards normal activity is a mark of belief in ultimate recovery. Throughout history, shipping professionals have been geared to accommodate the industry’s notorious cycle of peaks and troughs – a mindset that supports both survival and prosperity. For certain shipping sectors, the pandemic has been a blessing in disguise thanks to rising demand for lifeline freight services, including those offered by ferry operators. In contrast, however, the impact on financially crucial ferry passenger volumes has been devastating. In my column in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review , I was cautiously optimistic about regaining a viable measure of tourist traffic during the 2021 summer peak. The rapid development and rollout of vaccines, and widespread governmental adoption of Interferry’s best practice guide for Covid-safe travel, encouraged such hopes. However, these were largely extinguished by new variants of the disease and fluctuating infection rates. Furthermore, potential customers were deterred by the cost and complexity of obtaining the tests and documentation required for international travel. Domestic lines scarcely did any better, with carryings Mike Corrigan, CEO of global trade association Interferry, looks ahead to better days in response to rampant commercial pressures in the global ferry industry Facing up to Covid and climate change challenges COMMENTARY