

(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.”
AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more
Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more
The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more
The wellbeing of crew members is becoming more important to shipping companies says leading catering... Read more
Canada based Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended 31 December, 2022... Read more
Ukrainian seafarers have largely returned to international shipping thereby restoring balance in crew... Read more
The Chairs of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations met in Athens last week to renew... Read more
AXSMarine, a leading provider of SaaS shipping software and data for decision making in the chartering... Read more
Algoma Central Corporation and The CSL Group, who together form the CSL International Pool have announced... Read more
Swiss marine power company WinGD has launched a pilot project for a new engine diagnostics solution... Read more