The chairpersons of the world’s largest shipping industry organizations gathered in Athens last week for a pivotal discussion on crucial issues, including greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and the influence of geopolitics on global shipping. However, the most urgent and pressing topic on the agenda was the escalating threats faced by seafarers, with a particular focus on the rising criminalization and unjust treatment of crew members.
Chaired by BIMCO President Nikolaus H. Schües, the meeting brought together the Round Table of International Shipping Associations, which includes BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO, and INTERCARGO. The group unanimously agreed that increasing awareness of seafarer safety, rights, and fair treatment outside the shipping industry is of paramount importance.
“We have witnessed a troubling increase in the kidnapping of seafarers and cases of rogue detention and wrongful imprisonment throughout 2024. This is devastating and deeply concerning,” said the Round Table chairpersons. “Seafarers are responsible for transporting over 80% of the world’s trade. Despite the severe risks they face, they continue to uphold the highest professional standards. As an industry, we are committed to raising awareness about the lack of basic rights for seafarers, rights that other essential workers often take for granted.”
The rising danger to seafarers is evident in a recent report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), which showed a decrease in piracy incidents but a concerning increase in seafarers taken hostage. In 2024, 126 seafarers were kidnapped up from 73 in 2023 and just 41 in 2022.
Another serious concern highlighted by the meeting was the issue of criminalization and wrongful detention of seafarers, particularly in cases where drugs are discovered on board. While reliable data on this matter remains scarce, there have been multiple reports of innocent seafarers being incarcerated on alleged drug charges, often without sufficient evidence.
The lack of comprehensive data on these incidents is a key issue the Round Table organizations aim to address, to better understand the scope of the problem and take appropriate action.
“Seafarers should never face the risk of imprisonment, kidnapping, or attacks while carrying out their vital work,” the chairpersons emphasized. “Just two weeks ago, we were relieved to hear that the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader was released after being held hostage for more than 430 days by Houthi militants. Such unjust deprivation of liberty and violent attacks on innocent seafarers are not only assaults on individuals but on the shipping industry, global supply chains, and world trade itself.”
The Round Table organizations reiterated their commitment to continuing efforts to raise global awareness of seafarer rights and treatment, calling on both industry stakeholders and the international community to take immediate action in addressing these escalating threats.
