Now is the time to address seafarer crisis
(Posted on 24/09/20)
To mark this year’s World Maritime Day on 24 September, Captain Rajesh Unni, CEO & Founder of Synergy Group, has releases a statement calling for long overdue action:
“On World Maritime Day, with hundreds of thousands of seafarers still stranded at sea, I think now is the time to address shipping’s inability to consistently shape and direct policies that impact our ability to conduct business safely and efficiently.
“When we called on governments to help our seafarers and classify them as key workers, our pleadings largely fell on deaf ears.
“We might be the engine of global trade, but even as a humanitarian crisis has unfolded at sea our voice has not been heard.
“The IMO has devoted this year’s World Maritime Day to sustainability but, again, we have been failing to speak to power beyond the maritime echo chamber.
“If shipping wants a say on its future, and support from lawmakers when it requires their help, it needs to be more transparent and progressive in meeting environmental obligations.
“We need to show the world beyond shipping that we accept change is coming and decarbonised supply chains are inevitable.
“With less than 3,650 days remaining until the 2030 emissions targets, today is a reminder that shipping must step-up and turn commitment into action if it wants to avoid the imposition of policies which might harm our industry.
“Even more urgently, with further lockdowns coming into force around the world, the crew change crisis could soon become even more acute.
“At Synergy Group, we are doing our utmost to relieve seafarers, but the restrictions hampering crew travel are in constant flux. I strongly urge the IMO and others to double down efforts in the fight for seafarer rights before the plight of our crews deteriorates further.
“For shipping, as we face these critical challenges of decarbonisation and crew changes on World Maritime Day in the midst of this ghastly pandemic, it is quite clear that the status quo is simply unsustainable.
“It is also clear that addressing the status quo means we must find a political voice that travels beyond the ports and the high seas. One that reaches the decision makers who are currently determining our collective fates.”
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
