Seafarer safety in Red Sea paramount, say bulk ship owners

(Posted on 25/01/24)

The safety of seafarers must be paramount as the international community seeks to address the volatile situation in the Red Sea says The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) speaking on behalf of the world’s dry bulk ship owners.

INTERCARGO condemns the ongoing targeting of merchant ships and fully supports the comments made by Arsenio Dominguez, newly-appointed International Maritime Organization Secretary-General who highlighted that seafarers are innocent victims and that the principle of freedom of navigation must be upheld, thereby allowing the safe trade of essential goods across the globe.

As during Covid times, dry bulk shipping continues to ensure the transport of key supplies and the smooth running of the global economy. Once again, everyone should be reminded of the value of our seafarers and the imperative for their legal designation as key workers by all nations with special/favourable handling by ports and countries of destination.

With Non-Governmental Organisation status at the IMO, INTERCARGO is actively involved in discussions and information sharing at the highest level. The association endorses the IMO’s stance that there must be caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and broader area, in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) on the Red Sea.

INTERCARGO unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together 250 forward thinking companies from 30 countries. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association takes forward its members’ positions to IMO, as well as to other shipping and international industry fora, having free and fair competition as a principle.

Latest News

NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime

NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more

IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink

Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more

VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern

VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more

DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero

The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more

NorthStandard takes prudent position on P&I premiums

NorthStandard has advised Members of a 5% increase in P&I premiums for the marine insurance year... Read more

Anemoi completes Rotor Sail installation on NS United bulk carrier

Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK-based leading designer of Rotor Sails for wind-assisted ship propulsion... Read more

LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books

Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more

Sailors’ Society launches increased support for Chinese seafarers

International maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has announced a significant expansion... Read more

NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer

NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more

Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more