INTERCARGO expresses its sincere gratitude to seafarers worldwide on the Day of the Seafarer, as their constant commitment guarantees the safe and effective transportation of the dry bulk commodities that support international trade and modern life. From iron ore and coal to grain and fertilisers, these cargoes are essential to energy production, food supply, and industrial production worldwide. None of this would be possible without the skill, professionalism, and resilience of seafarers.
Yet, while the world depends on them every day, too often their contribution is only fully acknowledged in times of crisis.
This must change. Seafarers are not temporary heroes when supply chains are disrupted, when conflict escalates, or when economies are under pressure. They are essential key workers at all times, the invisible workforce that keeps world trade moving every single day. Their status as key workers must be genuinely recognised in policy and in practice, not only in words or during emergencies.
This year’s IMO campaign theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.”, reflects the reality of modern dry bulk shipping. Seafarers remain central to global supply chains, yet their work increasingly takes place in environments shaped by geopolitical instability, operational complexity and rising external risks, too often at significant personal sacrifice.
Recent developments in key shipping regions, including the Black Sea and the Middle East Gulf, have laid bare the risks and sacrifice that many seafarers continue to face while carrying out their duties. Recent attacks on commercial vessels in these waters are a stark reminder that the fertilisers, grain and other essential commodities transported by the dry bulk sector rely on the skill, dedication and courage of seafarers who continue to serve under increasingly hostile and unpredictable operating conditions. Their safety, wellbeing and lives must remain the priority.
INTERCARGO calls for meaningful and lasting implementation of seafarers’ “key worker status” worldwide, not merely when disruptions affect trade. Ensuring the continuity and safety of dry bulk trade flows requires restraint and de-escalation, with urgent action to protect seafarers, restore safe conditions across key sea routes and genuine implementation of their “key worker” status.
Beyond safety at sea, INTERCARGO remains committed to strengthening the welfare of seafarers across the dry bulk sector. This includes promoting safe, respectful, and supportive working environments on board, where mental health, dignity, and wellbeing are protected.
Achieving this requires collective responsibility and cooperation across the entire dry bulk supply chain, including ship operators, charterers, ports, cargo interests, regulators and administrations to reinforce safety culture, improve training and awareness, and ensure effective systems of reporting and support.
On this Day of the Seafarer, INTERCARGO not only honours their sacrifice and contribution but renews its call for the global community to move beyond recognition and deliver lasting action.
