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Seafarer Crisis Action Team: case studies

The COVID-19 pandemic put seafarers around the world in precarious situations. At the height of the pandemic some 400,000 seafarers were stranded on ships beyond the end of their original contracts and unable to be repatriated, due to COVID-related travel restrictions. A similar number of seafarers were stuck at home, unable to join ships and provide for their families. Issues of repatriation and medical assistance continued.

Crew change crisis

COVID-related travel restrictions have created significant hurdles to crew changes and repatriation of seafarers, which has led to a growing humanitarian crisis as well as significant concerns for the safety of seafarers and shipping.

Facilitation (FAL) – enhancing the free flow of trade by ship

Sulphur 2020 – cutting sulphur oxide emissions from ships

Emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) are known to be harmful to human health and they contribute to ocean acidification. From 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50% m/m. This will significantly reduce the amount of sulphur oxides from ships and should have major health and environmental benefits.

Testimonies of stranded seafarers

As of July 2020, over 200,000 seafarers are stranded on ships and waiting to be repatriated, and about as many are stranded home and eagerly waiting to join ships and earn a living. Seafarers from around the world have agreed to share a glimpse of the challenges they face during the pandemic.

IMO and the SDGS

Maritime security

Implementing the Ballast Water Management Convention