Heightened geopolitical tensions, including the evolving situations in the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea and the Sea of Asov, and the Red Sea region, have highlighted the increasing complexity and risk seafarers endure every day.
The Day of the Seafarer, observed internationally each year on 25 June, provides an opportunity to recognise the essential role of seafarers in global trade and the risks they bear in sustaining it.
This year, IMO is highlighting the challenges faced by mariners who navigate through regions affected by conflict and insecurity. This includes the risks they take as well as the resilience they demonstrate in keeping world trade moving under difficult circumstances. In particular, it urges the need to work together to evacuate 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf.
Under the theme Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks, the Day Of The Seafarer campaign serves as a reminder that seafarers must never become collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts.
Putting seafarers first
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored his appreciation for the 1.8 million men and women who work at sea. In a video message, he said:
“To all seafarers: thank you. Your work is essential to the functioning of the global economy and the daily lives of people around the world. While it may not always seem visible, your safety, security and welfare remain our highest priority.”
He invited the global maritime community and all online audiences to join IMO’s campaign to spotlight the unseen contribution of seafarers, while acknowledging the risks, sacrifices and personal challenges that are part of the life at sea.
In his own message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said:
“When nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have seen tens of thousands of seafarers stranded as they work far from home to keep the world fuelled and fed… Mariners must never be the victims or pawns of geopolitical conflict.”
IMO is currently working alongside Member States and industry to evacuate seafarers and ships stuck in the Persian Gulf, following attacks on shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
At the heart of this year’s campaign are the voices of seafarers themselves. Through a series of testimonials, seafarers are sharing their first-hand experiences of transiting high-risk and conflict-affected areas, including the Strait of Hormuz, offering personal insights into the challenges they faced and how they managed them while continuing to perform their duties.
It also features contributions from maritime content creators and influencers, who are encouraging audiences around the world to join the conversation through shared stories and messages of support.
(Photo from IMO)