ICS, ITF Meet with Gulf State Representatives on Seafarer, Shipping Crisis

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 four 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 include:

• 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 prioritize 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.

During the meeting the representatives of the Gulf States to the IMO highlighted several issues. Including that their respective