About 2,000 seafarers in 112 ships were berthed in Ukrainian ports across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov before Russia’s invasion. After the war broke out, most crew were evacuated, but 331 seafarers remain stuck on 62 vessels across nine Ukrainian ports, including Mariupol and Odesa.
In this week's Bridge Watch, Corey Ranslem, Dryad Global's CEO discusses the topic of stranded seafarers across some of Ukrainian ports.
About 2,000 seafarers in 112 ships were berthed in Ukrainian ports across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov before Russia’s invasion. After the war broke out, most crew were evacuated, but 331 seafarers remain stuck on 62 vessels across nine Ukrainian ports, including Mariupol and Odesa.
Dryad Global alongside other major shipping industry representatives, companies and maritime organisations are urging the UN secretary general to help evacuate hundreds of seafarers who have been trapped onboard vessels in Ukrainian ports for a year.
A combination of factors has left the 331 seafarers, which includes Russians and Ukrainians, trapped onboard their ships. The grain initiative allows the export of grain and other materials from just three of Ukraine’s 18 seaports. Ships that are unsuitable for carrying grain are not allowed to leave, but mines have been dropped around many of Ukraine’s ports – making movement impossible anyway.
Diplomacy can play an important role in helping stranded seafarers get out of Ukrainian ports by facilitating communication and coordination among governments, international organizations, and industry stakeholders.
One possible approach is for diplomatic channels to be used to encourage the Ukrainian government and other relevant authorities to take action to address the challenges faced by seafarers, including those who are stranded at ports. Diplomatic efforts can help to raise awareness of the situation and encourage local authorities to prioritize the issue, provide assistance and resources, and work with the maritime industry to find solutions.
Diplomacy facilitates dialogue and cooperation among international organizations, such as the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Labor Organization, as well as relevant industry associations, such as the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers' Federation. These organizations can and should be working together to develop and implement strategies to address the challenges faced by seafarers, including the repatriation of stranded crew.
Heightened diplomatic negotiations can also facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned among countries and industry stakeholders, which can help to identify effective solutions and promote collaboration and coordination. This type of diplomacy helped the UAE to take steps towards ensuring better care for seafarers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of these initiatives include:
Why do Seafarers end up stranded on vessels?
Seafarers who are stranded on vessels face a significant impact on their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. It is important for all stakeholders in the maritime industry to work together to address these challenges and ensure the welfare of seafarers.
Human rights play an important role in protecting the welfare and dignity of seafarers at sea. As workers in a global industry, seafarers face unique challenges and are often subject to harsh working and living conditions.
How can human rights help seafarers at sea?
Respect for these human rights can help to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of seafarers at sea. The promotion and protection of human rights are essential for the sustainable growth of the maritime industry and the well-being of all those who work within it.