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Prevention, mitigation, management of infectious diseases on cruise ships and passenger ferries

Project description

Infectious disease prevention in the passenger shipping industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the passenger shipping industry. To address this, the EU-funded HEALTHY SAILING project will introduce innovative, multi layered, risk and evidence-based, cost-effective and tested measures for infectious disease prevention, mitigation and management differentiated for large ferries, cruise ships and expedition vessels. The project will adopt a comprehensive approach covering preparedness and response to known infectious diseases frequently occurring on passenger ships, as well as those that have never occurred but for which preparedness is essential, and diseases of unknown origin to ensure readiness for future emerging pathogens/pandemics. HEALTHY SAILING will cover the entire passenger/crew journey from home to ship and back.

Objective

With vast experience, in-depth knowledge and established expertise in infectious disease prevention and control on passenger ships, HEALTHY SAILING consortium presents a comprehensive approach introducing innovative, multi-layered, risk and evidence-based, cost-effective tested measures for infectious diseases prevention, mitigation and management (PMM) differentiated for large ferries, cruise ships and expedition vessels. This approach covers: a) preparedness and response to known infectious diseases frequently occurring on passenger ships, diseases that have never occurred but for which preparedness is essential, diseases of unknown aetiology to ensure preparedness for future emerging pathogens/pandemics; b) the entire passenger/crew journey travelling from home to ship and returning, on-board, during shore-side visits; c) ship-board operations, shore-side company operations, port destinations and communities; d) a global perspective of project outputs towards communities and passenger shipping industry. Epidemiological studies, risk assessment, modelling for disease spread and aerosol/droplet dispersion and setting disease thresholds/alert levels will develop a scientific evidence-base and support production of evidence-informed guidelines on COVID-19 for ships/ports, passengers/crew vaccination, ventilation systems and expedition vessels’ medical operation needs. Development/testing of ship-specific syndromic surveillance, AI systems, decision support tools will contribute to early health threat detection on-board, risk-based proportionate responses, and healthy on-board environments. Toolkits for blended learning with hands-on training and technology induced behaviour change will further knowledge, awareness and compliance of all stakeholders. An integrated e-pass based on one-ID concept and toolkit predicting port response capacities will address port operation and community needs. A scientific international panel will promote a harmonized global approach.

Coordinator

PANEPISTIMIO THESSALIAS
Net EU contribution
€ 513 125,00
Address
ARGONAFTON FILELLINON
38221 Volos
Greece

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Region
Κεντρική Ελλάδα Θεσσαλία Μαγνησία
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 513 125,00

Participants (18)

Partners (6)