A joint commitment at the International Maritime Summit will recognise seafarers as key workers.
UK holds first international maritime summit to address impact of COVID-19 on crew changes
international recognition for seafarers as key workers to enable free movement and quicker repatriation
joint statement backed by International Maritime Organization and other UN agencies
Seafarers will get enhanced rights as key workers following a joint commitment made at today’s (9 July 2020) International Maritime Summit.
Representatives from over a dozen countries including Norway, Denmark, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Philippines and the USA attended the summit. They agreed to new international measures to open up foreign borders for seafarers and increase the number of commercial flights to expedite repatriation efforts.
Despite the crucial role they play restrictions on international travel have left thousands of seafarers stranded at foreign ports with some confined to vessels for months despite having no contact with coronavirus.
The summit, hosted by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Maritime Minister Kelly Tolhurst, brought together members of the UN with political and business leaders from across the globe. The difficulties maritime crews face across the world was at the centre of the discussions, while all governments and parties were urged to resolve the issues with maritime transport to support workers and the industry more widely.
Kitack Lim, UN Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, also gave a special address.