THE International Maritime Organization and several maritime workers unions have asserted the need to protect seafarers and transport workers during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The urgency is reflected by the International Chamber of Shipping’s concern for Russian and Ukrainian seafarers, who account for 14.5% of the global seafaring workforce.

IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim announced his support for the call for hostilities to cease immediately, echoing that of the UN secretary-general António Guterres.

Mr Guterres had pleaded for Russian forces to withdraw from Ukraine during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council as the conflict broke out.

“I am gravely concerned about the spill over effects of the military action in Ukraine on global shipping, and logistics and supply chains, in particular the impacts on the delivery of commodities and food to developing nations and the impacts on energy supplies,” Mr Lim said.

“Along with the people of Ukraine, innocent ships, seafarers and port workers engaged in legitimate trade should not be adversely impacted by this growing crisis.

“Shipping, particularly seafarers, cannot be collateral victims in a larger political and military crisis – they must be safe and secure.”

The threat to seafarers’ safety was reinforced by a committee of unions who expressed concern for workers at sea as the conflict unfolds.  

The Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC) held an emergency meeting on Thursday and urged the Black Sea region be declared a Warlike Operations Area.

The committee consists of the UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International, and the UK-based National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

“Representatives met in response to the sudden and unacceptable invasion of the Ukraine by Russian forces to consider the threat posed to UK seafarers, and seafarers generally of all nationalities in the region,” it said.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation defines a war-like area as a part of the world where crews encounter high risks to safety and life, typically due to war, military tensions, or piracy.

“The WOAC agrees a Warlike Operations Area be declared with immediate effect for all Ukrainian, Russian and International waters north of 44°North in the Black Sea.”

WOAC urged its members to enable crew to disembark before approaching the area and to agree increased payment terms if operating in the area.

More broadly, the ITF and the European Transport Workers’ Federation have also called for an immediate ceasefire.

A joint statement highlighted the confirmed and unconfirmed reports of military targeting transport infrastructure, changes to the control of airports and railways, and the shutdown of airspace and ports.

It said further escalation would not only result in mass loss of life, but would also devastate the lives of transport workers in the region and wreak havoc on already-strained supply chains.

“All our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. The hearts and minds of transport workers around the world weigh heavily as we witness war breaking out,” the unions said.

“We stand alongside the global labour movement and the international community in condemning the war and call on all parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights law.

“This conflict must stop now.”