By Mark Edward Nero
mark@maritimepublishing.com
The unjust treatment of seafarers was an ongoing topic among members of the container goods movement industry during Hong Kong Maritime Week in November.
A number of speakers at various panel discussions and other events sought to bring to the issue to the forefront of discussions during the event.
Many comments came as the industry commemorated the one-year anniversary of the taking of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier traveling through the Red Sea, by Houthi rebels. As of the end of 2024, the crew was still being held hostage, despite calls from the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Maritime Organization and other bodies to release them.
The 25-member crew of the NYK-leased vessel includes nationals from the Philippines, Mexico, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. According to reports, the Houthis have used the carrier for propaganda purposes, including allowing visitors to tour the ship.
“Seafarers should not and cannot be collateral in geopolitical conflicts,” International Chamber of Shipping Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi said in a speech on Nov. 18, the day prior to the first anniversary of the Galaxy Leader being taken.
“The international shipping industry’s vital to world trade,” he said. “Anything that threatens to destabilize free flow of goods is a threat to all of us.”
In remarks of his own, Elmer Sarmiento, the Department of Transportation’s Undersecretary for the Maritime Sector in the Philippines detailed his country’s seafarer rights and training law, which was enacted in the fall.
The so-called Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which was signed into law Sept. 23, aims to ensure that Filipino seafarers have protections and opportunities in line with global standards, including new rules restricting wage garnishment.

“We can work together for and on behalf of seafarers,” Sarmiento said. “They’re the nucleus of shipping, and they’re the unsung heroes of our time.”
Hong Kong Shipowners Association Managing Director Sandy Chan made a similar comment.
“We need the members of the general public to know that they (seafarers) are the unsung heroes. They are very important for maintaining the global supply chain, and the global supply chain is important for everybody.”
One of her colleagues, Hong Kong Shipowners Association regulatory affairs director Capt. Nittin Handa, also highlighted the issue.
“This is very high on our agenda—the unfair criminalization of seafarers, and especially the impact of the declining security situation where this is happening,” told Pacific Maritime. “Very few people have raised a voice about the seafarers’ security situation.”
He said he sympathizes with the Galaxy Leader crew members who are being held by the rebels.
“Me being a former seafarer myself and having sailed in pirate-infested waters, I can relate to that,” he said. “It’s a humanitarian crisis.”
Call to Action
In a call to action during its Nov. 19 meeting in Hong Kong, the Asian Shipowners Association’s Ship Insurance and Liability Committee focused on the critical issue of unjust seafarer detention.
The committee highlighted a growing crisis that threatens the foundation of the global shipping industry and the rights of those who keep it afloat.
“Every day, hundreds of thousands of seafarers navigate the world’s oceans, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and commodities. Yet, despite their crucial role, these maritime workers are increasingly finding themselves caught in a web of legal uncertainties,” the ASA said in a statement.
Accused of crimes without compelling evidence, many are detained for extended periods, facing severe emotional and financial distress.
Recent incidents have underscored the vulnerability of seafarers, particularly in countries with limited experience in maritime law. The committee noted with concern that detentions often occur in places where legal systems are ill-equipped to handle complex maritime cases, leading to prolonged and unfair treatment of crew members.
For example, a Chinese master mariner was imprisoned in Honduras for over two years with no charges brought against him.
The committee outlined three proactive steps to address the trend:
Global Awareness Campaigns: It is essential to raise the profile of these incidents on international platforms. By sharing these stories, we can galvanize public opinion and pressure governments to act.
Advocacy for Equitable Legal Processes: International maritime organizations must champion the cause of fair legal treatment for seafarers.
Building Robust Support Networks: Comprehensive support systems for seafarers are crucial.
The Asian Shipowners Association has called upon all stakeholders in the maritime industry to unite in defense of seafarers’ rights.
“Shipping companies, international organizations, and governments must collaborate to create a safer and more just environment for maritime workers,” the Association said in a statement.
Incidents Down, Threats Remain
Although maritime piracy remains a large concern globally, it was actually down in 2024 compared to the prior year, according to data from the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
IMB data show that there were 79 maritime piracy incidents from January-September 2024, down from 99 incidents during the same period the year before.
During the latest nine-month period, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked, nine faced attempted attacks and two were fired upon, IMB data show. In 86% of incidents, perpetrators successfully gained access to the vessel, with most incidents occurring at night.
Also, a total of 111 crew taken hostage, 11 kidnapped and three threatened, according to the data. Perpetrators were armed with weapons, guns and knives in 45 of the reported incidents.
“This is an important time to reinforce our message not to be complacent, and for vessel owners and operators to adhere to IMB guidelines,” IMB Director Michael Howlett said in a statement.