ICS called on the UN to evacuate seamen stuck in Ukrainian ports

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) appealed to the UN to release more than 300 sailors who have been stuck in Ukrainian ports for almost a year due to the war.

The Chamber of Shipping called on the UN to prioritize the immediate release of 331 sailors and 62 ships that have been stuck in Ukrainian ports for almost a year due to the full-scale war. ICS and more than 30 other organizations wrote a corresponding open letter to the UN on February 20.

“As we approach one year since the start of the war in Ukraine, the co-signatories of this letter are writing to you to highlight the issue of 331 sailors still trapped on ships in the Black and Azov seas. We call on the United Nations and your diplomatic influence to urgently resolve this matter and evacuate all remaining sailors and vessels,” the letter said.

The signatories noted the success of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the launch of which took place under the mediation of the UN, but noted that support for the work of the “grain corridor” cannot be done “at the cost of the lives of innocent sailors.”

“Without our sailors, the transportation of vital shipments of grain from Ukrainian ports would be impossible. Although the evacuation of seafarers and their vessels is fraught with difficulties, it must nevertheless be a top priority. Otherwise, we risk the lives of our sailors, and this is unacceptable,” the ICS summarized.

Among the signatories of the joint letter are ICS, BIMCO, European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. and other.