ITF News Update
VLCC crew left adrift without fuel after sanctioned tanker abandoned for third time in two years
Seafarers managed to reach port in Venezuela using emergency fuel supply in symbol of growing scandal. Seafarers onboard a VLCC were left stranded without fuel after the tanker was abandoned for a third time in two years, dumped by its flag state and hit by US sanctions, a union has told shipping’s global regulator. Crew members from the 300,000-dwt MS Melenia (built 2005) sounded the alarm in February after they were left without fuel and navigation lights and running out of food, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
‘Sri Lanka is a Union Country’, says global labour leader
ITF pledges expanded partnership with transport sector workers at Colombo Welfare Hub launch. In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s transport sector, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) unveiled The Palace—a brand new welfare facility for seafarers—while declaring its commitment to partner with the nation’s entire transport workforce.
https://island.lk/sri-lanka-is-a-union-country-says-global-labour-leader/
Appeal to rescue Indian seafarers kidnapped by pirates in Africa
Seven Indian seafarers, including two engineers from Tamil Nadu, have been kidnapped by the pirates off the coast of Africa. The family members of the Indian seafarers have appealed to the Union government to rescue them. Lakshmana Pradeep Murugan, of Theni district, has been serving as a second officer with the Maritec Tanker Management Private Ltd. for over three years. The ship, Bitu River, was travelling from Lome to Cameroon.
Are we killing seafarers with fatigue?
Experts agree that more needs to be done to tackle seafarer welfare. Fatigue is still a huge issue in shipping, despite technology and regulations being brought in to try to tackle the problem. Safety experts are urging maritime regulators to focus more heavily on seafarer safety in light of a disaster in the North Sea off north-east England, where the 804-teu container ship Solong (built 2005) rammed into the anchored 49,700-dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (built 2017).
Elizabeth Wakesho leads the way as Kenya’s first certified female marine captain
Elizabeth Wakesho has made history as Kenya’s first-ever female marine captain after earning her Unlimited Master Mariner Licence—the highest level of competency in the merchant navy. Her achievement, officially recognised on March 12, 2025, marks the culmination of a 15-year journey defined by resilience, ambition, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence in a male-dominated industry.
IMO Secretary-General Opens LEG 112 With Focus on Seafarer Treatment and Ship Registration
At the opening of the 112th session of the Legal Committee (LEG 112) on March 24, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez addressed pressing legal issues facing the maritime sector, starting with the growing number of seafarers detained on criminal suspicions. The five-day session, running from March 24 to 28 at the International Maritime Organization, draws industry and legal experts to examine new guidelines, frameworks, and proposed work programmes impacting global shipping.
MPA: Increased Allowance and Shorter Training Duration to Make Seafaring a More Attractive and Meaningful Career for Mid
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in partnership with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and supported by the Singapore Shipping Association, has launched the enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA). Shorter Training Duration with Stronger Training Outcomes
https://www.bunkerportsnews.com/News.aspx?ElementId=13fd328b-7c7b-456b-b505-38702851b2d7
Two Killed as Bulker Runs Over Tug’s Towline in the Philippines
The Philippines Coast Guard is reporting it rescued six crewmembers, but that two others including the captain were killed when a bulker ran over a tugboat’s towline. The tug registered in the Philippines capsized when the vessel struck the towline.
Report: Maersk keeps key information from major sexual harassment investigation secret
“Maersk is unusually silent when it comes to the extent of sexual harassment and assault on its many ships. Despite extensive research and interviews with hundreds of female seafarers, the company is tight-lipped about the extent of the problem. Nor can Maersk promise that women will experience better conditions in the coming years.”
https://archive.ph/mWTFD#selection-785.0-789.1
Nigeria seeks endorsement as IMO rallies crackdown on illegal ship registries
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has underscored the urgency of addressing fraudulent ship registrations and countries’ registries, emphasising strict adherence to high-quality shipping standards is crucial for regulatory enforcement.
Top 10 Seafarer Supplying Nations In The World
The maritime industry relies on the expertise and dedication of seafarers, who make international shipping trade possible by risking their lives and safety on the high seas. Most commodities in the world are transported by sea and so the demand for seafarers is on the rise, yet there is a shortage of qualified and well-trained professionals.
https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/top-10-seafarer-supplying-nations-in-the-world/
The Importance of Monitoring Indoor Air Quality Onboard Ships
Looking to land-based environmental health and safety, extensive research from the 1980s and 1990s has demonstrated the negative impacts of “sick buildings” on employee health and productivity. Research studies have established a link between exposure to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and a range of respiratory issues, including cough, asthma, and heart arrhythmia, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
ITF demands safe return of seafarers kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea and demands action against piracy
ITF Seafarers’ Section Coordinator, Fabrizio Barcellona, said: “This is a desperate situation with ten seafarers kidnapped, their crew mates threatened with execution, and their families pleading for help. We hope that these seafarers can be brought home as soon as possible – and that all relevant governments and international agencies do everything they can to ensure this happens.
‘Desperate situation’: joined-up action needed after kidnapping of 10 tanker crew members, ITF says
Union wants reaffirmation from West African states of willingness to tackle piracy. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling for urgent action from governments and international agencies to free 10 seafarers kidnapped from a tanker off West Africa. The union also wants a renewed focus on wider efforts by countries in the region to tackle the scourge of piracy. The 16,500-dwt Bitu River (built 2022) was raided by five armed men last week in the Gulf of Guinea, off Sao Tome and Principe.
Protecting seafarers against criminalization: what more can be done?
The well-being of seafarers and their protection against criminalization is a critical issue within the maritime industry. IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been working jointly on the Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes. This event will bring together key stakeholders from the maritime sector to address the criminalization of seafarers and the need for their fair treatment. The event is organized by IMO and ILO in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
Protecting seafarers against criminalization: what more can be done?
LR explores the potential of African and female seafarers
Lloyd’s Register, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the World Maritime University have published a report titled “Deep dive on seafarer sustainability,” exploring how Africa and women can play a key role in creating a sustainable supply of seafarers for the future. The report discusses two potential developments to address seafarer shortage challenges in the maritime sector: 1) a growing gender diversity onboard ships; and 2) a higher percentage of African seafarers engaged in shipping operations.
LR explores the potential of African and female seafarers – SAFETY4SEA
NUSS Sri Lanka Celebrates the Grand Opening of Sri Lanka’s First Ever Seafarer Welfare Center: The Palace
The National Union Seafarers of Sri Lanka (NUSS) is proud to announce the grand opening of “The Palace,” Sri Lanka’s first dedicated seafarer welfare center. This historic moment marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry, providing essential support and services to our nation’s seafarers and their families. The Palace, a collaborative initiative with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the ITF Seafarers Trust, is designed to be a safe haven for seafarers both before and after their voyages.
Russia claims Spain ‘violated dignity’ of seafarers in ship drugs search
Reefer was seized off Portuguese coast and held for three days following intelligence of drugs cargo. Russia and Spain were involved in a furious spat over the treatment of seafarers after Madrid was accused of violating the human rights of crew members during a drugs search on a reefer. The claims, fiercely rebutted by Spain, followed a three-day drama when armed Spanish forces seized the Bahamas-flagged 10,842-gt Baltic Summer (built 1989) in international waters off the coast of Portugal in January.