Over 30 leading maritime organisations and companies are urgently calling on the United Nations Secretary General to prioritise the immediate release of the 331 seafarers and 62 ships that remain trapped in Ukrainian ports.
The open letter, that calls the situation an ‘unacceptable risk to life,’ has been signed by organisations and companies including the International Chamber of Shipping, NKY Line, Union of Greek Shipowners, Danish Shipping, and seafarer charities.
Since the onset of the war, the international shipping community has continually called for the safe and immediate evacuation of the trapped seafarers. 12 months ago, 112 vessels crewed by more than 2,000 seafarers were berthed in Ukranian ports across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Today 331 seafarers remain aboard 62 vessels in nine ports that include Odessa and Mariupol.
The 32 signatories are calling on UNSG António Guterres to immediately take the necessary actions to return the trapped seafarers to safety.
Shipping companies, charities, and unions have worked in coordination with international organisations to facilitate the evacuation effort, supported the trapped seafarers’ families, and provided the seafarers with provisions including food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Shipping has been integral to carrying out the Black Sea Grain Initiative, with heroic crews sailing along to borders of the conflict zone to ensure the world continues to receive vital grain deliveries.
Source: ICS
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