Shipping Industry Leaders Unite to Combat Rising Seafarer Kidnappings and Criminalization

The heads of major shipping organizations convened in Athens this week to address the escalating crisis of seafarer safety and rights, with a particular focus on the increasing incidents of kidnappings and unjust criminalization.

The Round Table of International Shipping Associations, comprising BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO, and INTERCARGO, emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about seafarer safety and treatment beyond the maritime sector.

According to the International Maritime Bureau’s recent report, while piracy incidents …