Meeting to support seafarers in the gulf

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers‘ Federation (ITF) met with representatives from the Gulf States to discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict on seafarers and shipping in the Gulf. This meeting took place four weeks after the outbreak of the conflict, which has already led to deadly incidents, according to the ICS. Reports indicate that seafarers have been killed and ships attacked, while an estimated 20,000 seafarers are stranded on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region under unsafe conditions.

Measures to support seafarers

The discussions focused on initiatives aimed at supporting the affected ships and their crews. One of the proposed measures is the establishment of a reporting system through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This system would allow ships to report their most urgent concerns regarding supply chains so that this information can be relayed to the relevant partners in the Gulf States.

Another point of discussion was the recognition of seafarers as essential workers. This would mean that their replacement on board ships should be prioritized when necessary and in accordance with international standards. The goal is to ensure that vessels in the affected region are adequately staffed and operational. Additionally, the possibility of facilitating the quicker and safer disembarkation of seafarers with medical concerns was discussed when necessary.

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