INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision at the International Labour Organization (ILO) to officially recognise seafarers as key workers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
This long-anticipated outcome represents a significant step in ensuring fair treatment, safeguarding seafarers' rights, and strengthening their access to medical care, mobility, and legal protections.
“This recognition of seafarers as key workers by the ILO is both symbolic and substantive — a major win for the maritime community and a direct response to the urgent calls we and others made throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO. “It is an acknowledgment of the essential role played by seafarers in global trade and the sacrifices they make daily. It is also a reminder that governments must now act to implement and enforce these changes at national level.”
Throughout the pandemic, INTERCARGO was vocal in urging states and the IMO to treat seafarers as essential workers, demanding safe crew changes, prioritised vaccinations, and international collaboration. That experience has only deepened the sector’s resolve to prevent the recurrence of such hardship.
INTERCARGO also welcomes the new reference within the MLC to guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in cases of detention, investigation, or criminalisation. For too long, seafarers have faced uncertain legal protections in difficult circumstances.
“Seafarers must never become collateral victims of institutional inefficiencies or regulatory gaps,” said Xylas. “We urge all ILO member states and maritime administrations to follow through with effective, uniform implementation. Recognition is not enough — rights must be protected in practice.”
INTERCARGO continues to promote a responsible and respected maritime industry that offers safe, rewarding, and sustainable careers. With seafarer recruitment and retention under pressure, especially in the dry bulk sector — the largest in shipping — a global framework that supports dignity and decent working conditions is more important than ever.
“We must guarantee a fair future for our seafarers,” concluded Xylas. “They deserve no less.”
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
