On the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer on June 25, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, hailed the UAE's maritime sector for securing key medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Day of the Seafarer celebrates the paramount role played by seafarers in global trade. This year, the UAE joined the international community in recognising the contribution of the maritime sector in economic growth and development.

During the occasion, the UAE authorities organised a series of technical maritime workshops. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi Ports partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to launch the "Horns of Hope" under which ships at the ports sound their horns together to celebrate seafarers. The initiative aims to show support to the maritime sector which is diligently working at the frontline of the country's fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Under the initiative, all ships in harbors around the world are encouraged to sound their horns in 15-second bursts each evening with the objective to honour the efforts of the maritime sector, healthcare workers, and critical sector personnel, who are continuously working to protect the health and wellbeing of communities across the world.

Al Mazrouei underlined the contribution of the maritime sector in ensuring the smooth flow of supplies and strengthening the logistical services in the country. With these contributions, the maritime sector has become one of the key pillars of the UAE's strengths in securing food and medical supplies and other necessities, particularly during the pandemic.

"The maritime response to the pandemic underscores the UAE's resilience and ability to address emergencies," he stated.

The ministry also collaborated with maritime companies to repatriate seafarers after international flights were suspended during pandemic-induced lockdowns. He added that the ministry welcomed several ships, provided necessary healthcare to infected seafarers on board, and vaccinated seafarers and other workers during the process.

"The UAE has taken proactive measures to protect seafarers and other workers in the sector," Al Mazrouei added.

He noted that the UAE is among the 60 member states of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) who designated Seafarers as key workers.

As key workers, seafarers must be given vaccination on priority basis and allowed to travel without restrictions. The IMO has also urged other member states to recognise seafarers for their global contributions and give their due by designating them as key workers.

Noting that post-pandemic recovery efforts are underway across several parts of the world, it is crucial to acknowledge the efforts made by seafarers in keeping the supply chain open despite dire challenges posed by the pandemic. In addition, initiatives must be launched to ensure that the future under process currently is a fair one for them. It is for this reason that this year's IMO Day of the Seafarer campaign is themed "A Fair Future for Seafarers".

On the Day of the Seafarer, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim issued a message, noting that this year's campaign builds on the progress to support seafarers on pandemic-related challenges. It also aims to draw global attention to various key areas where fairness is needed for seafarers globally. Such initiatives will include ensuring a safe and secure environment on ships, providing reasonable working conditions and fair treatment in all situations, and respecting the rights of all - regardless of race, gender and religion.

"I am especially pleased that IMO will be amplifying the voices of seafarers themselves as they discuss what a fairer future would look like to them under the hashtag #FairFuture4Seafarers. Seafarers, we are listening – and we will make sure you are heard," Kitack Lim added. 

WAM