- Industry leaders met in Athens to address rising threats to seafarers, including kidnappings and wrongful detentions.
- Seafarer kidnappings surged to 126 in 2024, up from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.
- Lack of reliable data on wrongful detentions remains a key challenge.
- The shipping industry committed to raising awareness and advocating for seafarers’ rights.
The chairpersons of the world’s leading shipping industry organisations met in Athens on 6 February to address major challenges facing the maritime sector, including greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and geopolitical risks. However, the primary concern on the agenda was the alarming rise in unjust treatment, criminalisation, and kidnappings of seafarers, according to BIMCO.
Chaired by BIMCO President Nikolaus H Schües, the Round Table of International Shipping Associations—including BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO, and INTERCARGO—agreed unanimously that greater awareness of seafarer safety, rights, and fair treatment must be raised beyond the shipping industry.
Escalating Threats to Seafarers
“Throughout 2024 we have witnessed a rise in the number of kidnappings and cases of rogue detention and imprisonment of our seafarers. This is devastating and highly concerning. Let’s not forget that seafarers facilitate the transport of over 80 pct of world trade. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to work to the highest professional standards, and we will work collectively towards raising awareness about seafarers lacking some of the fundamental rights that some other keyworkers enjoy,” the Round Table chairpersons Nikolaus H Schües of BIMCO, Mr John Xylas of INTERCARGO, Emanuele Grimaldi of the ICS and Rolf Westfal-Larsen Jr. of INTERTANKO, said.
According to a report from the International Maritime Bureau, while piracy incidents declined in 2024, kidnappings of seafarers surged. A total of 126 seafarers were kidnapped last year, compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022, highlighting a growing security crisis.
Addressing the Criminalisation of Seafarers
Another key concern discussed was the increasing number of wrongful detentions of seafarers in cases involving drug-related charges. Reliable data on these incidents remains scarce, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem. However, multiple recent reports indicate that innocent seafarers have been imprisoned despite insufficient evidence.
The Round Table organisations committed to tackling this issue by working towards comprehensive data collection, which will provide a clearer picture of the scale of unjust detentions.
Industry’s Call to Action
“Seafarers should not risk jail sentences, kidnappings or attacks while performing their essential duties. Two weeks ago, we heard the news that the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader had been released after being kidnapped at gunpoint and held in captivity for over 430 days by the Houthis. Unjustified deprivation of liberty and attacks on innocent seafarers are attacks on individuals, the shipping industry, supply chains and world trade. We will continue to raise awareness of the rights and treatment of our seafarers,” the chairpersons said.
With industry leaders uniting to advocate for seafarers’ rights, the meeting in Athens underscored the urgent need for international action to protect those who keep global trade moving.
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Source: BIMCO
