The global shipping sector has met with representatives from the Gulf States in an effort to secure the safety of an estimated 20,000 seafarers which are currently stranded as the Strait of  Hormuz remains blocked to traffic.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International  Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have met representatives from Gulf States to  address the ongoing conflict and its direct impact on seafarers and shipping in the Gulf.

The meeting comes five weeks into the deadly conflict in which seafarers have been  killed, ships have come under attack, and an estimated 20,000 seafarers remain  stranded in conditions of fear and uncertainty, on ships unable to transit the Strait of  Hormuz.

Discussions focused on urgent practical, joint initiatives aimed at supporting ships and  crews currently impacted. These included:

• Introducing, as required, a reporting mechanism, via the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for ships to highlight their most immediate concerns for resupply so this can be communicated to Gulf State partners.
• Recognition of seafarers as key workers in accordance with the national law and the need to prioritise their replacement onboard ships, where necessary and in accordance with the relevant international standards, to ensure that vessels in the affected region remain sufficiently manned and operational.
• Being able to quickly and safely disembark seafarers from vessels for medical reasons, as necessary.

Following the meeting Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, said: “Discussions with our partners in the Gulf States at this meeting were constructive  and timely. Their support is essential to addressing the challenges facing seafarers and  ships in the region and I was encouraged by their commitment to work with us  to introduce solutions as required.

“Together, we have identified a series of practical and achievable steps, and we are  committed to working in close partnership to safeguard seafarer welfare  and maintain the flow of global trade.”

Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, added:  “Seafarers are on the frontline of this conflict, and right now too many are facing  extremely difficult conditions. It is essential that they have access to food, clean  water, fuel and medical care. These are not optional; they are fundamental rights.

“At the same time, no seafarer should be expected to remain in a conflict zone against  their will. Those who want to go home must be able to do so safely and without delay,  with arrangements in place to ensure safe crew changes and the continued operation of  vessels.

“The ITF is working closely with shipowners and our industry partners, to support  seafarers through this crisis. We are making sure their voices are heard and are bringing  their demands directly to governments and industry to secure practical solutions that protect seafarers and the industry.”

During the meeting the representatives of the Gulf States to the IMO highlighted several issues. Including that their respective governments have already begun and will  continue to do everything in their capacity to support seafarers, emphasising the  importance of concerted efforts to ensure that neither seafarers nor passengers  onboard ships feel abandoned.

They also confirmed that logistical support will be implemented across the GCC States for ships that are unable to leave the Gulf region,  and that crew changes will not face difficulties.

In cases where crew contracts or medical certificates expire, it was indicated that the  GCC States may resort to exceptional measures like those taken during the COVID-19  pandemic to facilitate seafarers’ situation.

Moreover, they stressed the need to work closely with the International Maritime  Organization (IMO) and its Secretary-General, under the auspices of the resolutions of  its Extraordinary Session (36), to ensure the establishment of a safe maritime corridor  for the evacuation of ships, guarantee the safety of seafarers, and resume navigation in  the Strait.