The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) welcomes the recent decision at the International Labour Organization (ILO) to officially recognise seafarers as key workers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
This long-anticipated outcome represents a significant step in ensuring fair treatment, safeguarding seafarers’ rights, and strengthening their access to medical care, mobility, and legal protections.
“This recognition of seafarers as key workers by the ILO is both symbolic and substantive — a major win for the maritime community and a direct response to the urgent calls we and others made throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO. “It is an acknowledgment of the essential role played by seafarers in global trade and the sacrifices they make daily. It is also a reminder that governments must now act to implement and enforce these changes at national level.”
Throughout the pandemic, INTERCARGO was vocal in urging states and the IMO to treat seafarers as essential workers, demanding safe crew changes, prioritised vaccinations, and international collaboration. That experience has only deepened the sector’s resolve to prevent the recurrence of such hardship.
INTERCARGO also welcomes the new reference within the MLC to guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in cases of detention, investigation, or criminalisation. For too long, seafarers have faced uncertain legal protections in difficult circumstances.
“Seafarers must never become collateral victims of institutional inefficiencies or regulatory gaps,” said Xylas. “We urge all ILO member states and maritime administrations to follow through with effective, uniform implementation. Recognition is not enough — rights must be protected in practice.”
INTERCARGO continues to promote a responsible and respected maritime industry that offers safe, rewarding, and sustainable careers. With seafarer recruitment and retention under pressure, especially in the dry bulk sector — the largest in shipping — a global framework that supports dignity and decent working conditions is more important than ever.
“We must guarantee a fair future for our seafarers,” concluded Xylas. “They deserve no less.”
