Seafarers

Indians are the most abandoned nationality of seafarers for the second consecutive year as 1,125 cases of abandonment were logged at the end of 2025, a UK-headquartered global union of transport workers has found. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) said that abandonment worldwide hit record levels last year as it released new data showing 6,223 seafarers abandoned across 410 ships. The ITF welcomed the Indian government's "blacklisting" measures to protect its seafarers from ships as a result of repeat abandonments and other bad practices. "It's nothing short of a disgrace that, yet again, we are seeing record numbers of seafarers abandoned by unscrupulous ship owners," said David Heindel, Chair of the ITF Seafarers' Section. "Every day, all around the world, seafarers face horrific violations of their human and labour rights, all so that bottom-feeding companies can make a quick buck at their expense. "It's very clear that this is a systemic issue in the indust

India has called for effective measures to resolve the issue of seafarer abandonment and ensuring the safety of maritime workforce, an official statement said on Wednesday. A high-level Indian delegation led by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary T K Ramachandaran raised the issue at the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. In recognition of its continued commitment to address seafarers' issues, India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the joint tripartite working group, it said. "India, an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasised the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment," the statement said. The delegation pointed out that despite efforts, there are 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers, the statement added. "India's strong stance on the need for effective measures and oversight to resolv

The Maritime Union of India (MUI), which represents merchant navy officers, has initiated a 'Service to Stranded Seafarers' project

The six MoUs are to the tune of Rs 225 crore in a span of five years

A group of investors called for an end to a crisis involving hundreds of thousands of seafarers stuck on ships for months due to Covid, warning the situation was creating bigger risks every day

Industry bodies including the International Chamber of Shipping wrote an open letter urging Bezos to exert pressure on the incoming Biden administration and other leaders

Travel restrictions mean some cannot leave their ships or be repatriated home, or even get urgent medical assistance

The letter, which was sent Wednesday to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is the latest call to address a growing humanitarian crisis at sea brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic

US sets new one-day record with 60,500 cases, Russian deaths cross 11,000, bringing home seafarers stuck on ships and other pandemic-related news across the globe

Seafarers typically join merchant vessels or return to India each month as a part of their contracts. But due to Covid-19 lockdowns and travel curbs, the crew change process got delayed

Limited supplies, seasickness and a repatriation plan that comes with several complications has made life particularly hard for this lot

NUSI, MUI and MASSA said that they have raised the issue with the Shipping Ministry, which has assured to extend all possible help for the return of these seafarers after the lockdown is lifted.

India and South Korea are set to boost bilateral ties in ports and shipping space and will sign pact to provide Indian seafarers employment on over 500 Korean ships, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today. Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Gadkari, who will be on a four-day visit to Korea beginning tomorrow, said both the nations are also eyeing partnerships in shipbuilding, waterways and smart transportation, among others. "Both the nations will sign an undertaking for mutual recognition of certificate of competency of seafarers. It will be beneficial to both the countries as Korea is a large ship owning nation, while India is a large seafaring nation with over 1.5 lakh seafarers. "The agreement will facilitate Indian seafarers to work on Korean ships as there is requirement of seafarers. Korean entities as of now own more than 500 foreign going ships," Gadkari told PTI. Gadkari said signing of the ...