The safety of seafarers must be paramount as the international community seeks to address the volatile situation in the Red Sea, said Intercargo on behalf of the world’s dry bulk ship owners.
According to their statement, INTERCARGO condemns the ongoing targeting of merchant ships and fully supports the comments made by Arsenio Dominguez, IMO 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, Intercargo noted.
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.
During a meeting with shipping industry representatives (18 January) at IMO Headquarters in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reiterated the message that seafarers are innocent victims in the volatile Red Sea situation. The meeting was also attended by representatives of major shipping organisations, including Intercargo.
To remind, industry associations BIMCO, ICS, CLIA, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF have also come together to publish security guidance applicable to navigating in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
