A sharp rise in the number of workers on commercial shipping vessels being kidnapped or detained by local authorities is “devastating and highly concerning,” said the heads of the biggest shipping industry organizations, at a February 6 meeting in Athens.  

A recent report from the International Maritime Bureau found a rise in the number of seafarers taken hostage in 2024, up to 126 seafarers, from 73 in 2023, and 41 in 2022, despite an overall decline in piracy.

The chairpersons of the world’s biggest shipping industry organizations — BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO — had gathered to discuss topics including greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and the impact of geopolitics on shipping. But by far the most important topic on the agenda was how the industry, and the international community, can help limit and put an end to a rise in unjust treatment and criminalization of its seafarers.

“Throughout 2024 we have witnessed a rise in the number of kidnappings and cases of rogue detention and imprisonment of our seafarers. This is devastating and highly concerning,” the Round Table chairpersons Nikolaus H Schües of BIMCO, Mr John Xylas of INTERCARGO, Emanuele Grimaldi of the ICS and Rolf Westfal-Larsen Jr. of INTERTANKO, said. “Let’s not forget that seafarers facilitate the transport of over 80% of world trade. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to work to the highest professional standards, and we will work collectively towards raising awareness about seafarers lacking some of the fundamental rights that some other keyworkers enjoy.”

At the meeting, the leaders unanimously agreed that awareness of seafarer safety, rights and treatment must be increased outside of the shipping industry. Although reliable data is lacking when it comes to criminalization and rogue detention and imprisonment of seafarers when drugs are found on board a ship, recently reported cases in some parts of the world are testament to innocent seafarers being jailed over alleged drug offenses despite lack of sufficient evidence, the meeting heard. 

The Round Table members agreed to seek to address the problem of a lack of data in order to gain a comprehensive overview of the extent of the problem.

“Seafarers should not risk jail sentences, kidnappings or attacks while performing their essential duties,” the chairpersons said. “Two weeks ago, we heard the news that the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader had been released after being kidnapped at gunpoint and held in captivity for over 430 days by the Houthis. Unjustified deprivation of liberty and attacks on innocent seafarers are attacks on individuals, the shipping industry, supply chains and world trade. We will continue to raise awareness of the rights and treatment of our seafarers.”