Joint statement proposed by FONASBA, IAPH, IBIA, IHMA, IMPA, IPCSA and PIANC
Earlier today (18 March) at the 36th Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council – held to address the impacts on shipping and seafarers of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz – IAPH joined the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) in issuing a joint industry statement highlighting the critical importance of protecting those working in ports, maritime services, ship agencies, pilots, bunkering and the broader shoreside maritime workforce.
The statement, which was made during the IMO Council meeting by FONASBA general manager Eleonora Modde, was supported by the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA), the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), and the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC).
It was issued in support of a submission made by ICS, BIMCO et al. concerning the welfare of seafarers and is as follows:
The global maritime industry is deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities affecting parts of the Middle East and the resulting risks to maritime operations, port communities and international supply chains.
The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA), the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), and the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) fully support the submission made by ICS, BIMCO et al. concerning the welfare of seafarers.
We share their concern for the safety, wellbeing, and fair treatment of all personnel working at sea. In addition, we wish to highlight the critical importance of protecting those working in ports, maritime services, ship agencies, pilots, bunkering and the broader shoreside maritime workforce.
Representing ports, shipping agents, maritime service providers and the wider shoreside maritime workforce, FONASBA, IAPH, IBIA, IHMA, IMPA, IPCSA and PIANC call for the utmost respect for the safety and wellbeing of all those working across the maritime sector.
Every day, thousands of men and women operate in ports, terminals and maritime services to ensure the uninterrupted movement of food, energy, medical supplies and essential goods that sustain communities around the world. Their safety and wellbeing must remain a fundamental priority. The maritime sector is a cornerstone of global stability and prosperity.
More than eighty percent of global trade moves by sea, connecting economies and enabling the flow of critical supplies to populations everywhere. Disruptions to maritime routes and port operations therefore have far-reaching humanitarian and economic consequences.
We call on all parties to recognise the importance of keeping maritime trade routes open and ensuring the protection of maritime infrastructure and personnel. Safe navigation, functioning ports and the continued movement of essential goods are vital for the wellbeing of people everywhere.
The maritime community stands united in its commitment to cooperation, dialogue and the protection of human life. We will continue to work together with international organisations, governments and industry partners to support maritime workers and maintain the resilience of global supply chains.
Further maritime organisations across the global industry are invited to join this collective call in support of safe and secure maritime operations.
About IAPH
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has developed into a global alliance of 201 port authorities as well as 175 port-related businesses. Comprised of over 94 different nationalities across the world’s continents, member ports handle over one third of the world’s sea-borne trade and well over 60% of the world container traffic. IAPH leads global port industry initiatives on decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation in the maritime transport chain. The IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program has grown into the reference database of best practices of ports applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrating them into their businesses - iaphworldports.org.