The Paris MOU on Port State Control has joined the chorus of maritime organisations calling for a supple application of IMO rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hague-based treaty organisation said on Thursday it issued a new guidance to its members, which “recognises that there is a need to apply flexibility under these special circumstances”.

Tokyo moves first

The Tokyo MOU, which coordinates port state control authorities in Asia, issued similar guidelines as early as on 12 March.