The shipping industry calls on United Nations (UN) to release seafarers trapped in Ukrainian ports since the Russian-Ukraine War. And this is not the first time that the shipping community is calling UN over the trapped seafarers.
How did it start?
A year ago on February 2022, 112 vessels with more than 2000 crew seafarers were suddenly stranded in Ukrainian ports across the black sea and the sea of Azov. Many were able to leave the ports before the war tensed. However, according to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) today 331 seafarers still remain aboard 62 vessels in nine ports.
Actions taken so far
The shipping industry has been urging UN and International Maritime Organisation (IMO). IMO has aided UN in reaching an agreement to build a maritime corridor to transfer grains allowing vessel movements. Most recently over 30 maritime organizations and companies have sent a letter to UN urging for the immediate release of these seafarers.
The open letter calls to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for immediate actions to return the trapped seafarers to safety.
“Our seafarers are the heart of our industry and cannot be forgotten. For 12 months now they have been caught up in a crisis far beyond their control. Simply doing their jobs cannot come at the expense of their lives,” the letter reads.
IMO on trapped seafarers
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim also expressed concerns regarding the seafarers.
“In the last 12 months, IMO has made immense efforts and provided extensive support towards UN-wide initiatives to resolve the situation with regard to stranded ships and seafarers.” said the IMOSG
I remain hopeful that with this enduring will for cooperation and communication, we will be able to facilitate the safe departure of the remaining ships and seafarers as soon as possible.” he further reassured.
