American Steamship Company implements 'restricted-to-ship' policy through April 22

The following policy bulletin was sent today (March 27) by American Steamship Company.

ALL AMERICAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY VESSEL EMPLOYEES ARE RESTRICTED TO SHIP EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THROUGH APRIL 22, 2020.

ONLY INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE VESSEL'S OPERATION MAY BOARD COMPANY VESSELS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Once crew members arrive to their assigned ships, they are permitted to leave the vessel only to carry out the business of the vessel as ordered by the Master or Chief Engineer. This applies to all Company ships, including those still fitting out for the season. This restriction is issued in an effort to comply with emergency government orders issued by all Great Lakes states. There will be no extra wages paid for restriction during this period. Employees that violate this restriction may be subject to immediate termination for cause.

All Great Lakes states have issued various Executive and Emergency Orders that require residents and workers to stay home in an effort to control the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These Government Orders are also known as "Shelter in Place" orders and they are referenced below. Most of the Company's headquarters employees are now working from home in an effort to comply with New York's Executive Orders. While crew members are permitted to travel to report to their vessels for work, the Company must take steps to comply with the spirit of the Government Orders. As such, the Company has issued this restriction. Further, only individuals that are essential to the vessel's operation may board the vessel. This restriction applies to dock workers, employee families and guests. No vessel employee has the authority to approve exceptions to these restrictions.

SAFETY is American Steamship Company's number 1 goal. We are working with our customers and business partners to protect our employees and those who service our fleet. The Company is screening all crew members before they report to their vessels and we have posted aboard all vessels information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Most docks that we serve have implemented procedures that restrict dock personnel from boarding ASC vessels unless their presence is required for operations.

Finally, we very much appreciate the efforts of all our employees during these unprecedented and challenging times in reporting to the vessels, working safely, protecting the environment, and for serving our customers who count on all of us to deliver the raw materials that are vital to their businesses. We wish you and your families the best for the 2020 season.

Sincerely,

Kevin McMonagle

Ref:
New York Executive Orders 202.6, 202.7 and 202.8
Pennsylvania Governor's Order
Ohio Department of Health Director's Order
Michigan Executive Order 2020-21
Indiana Executive Order 20-08
Illinois Executive Order 8
Wisconsin Department of Health Emergency Order #12
Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-20