Shipping Industry Urges Protection for Civilian Seafarers as Global Maritime Threats Escalate

The global shipping industry is warning that civilian seafarers are increasingly being caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts, as attacks on merchant vessels in the Middle East and Black Sea continue to mount.

In separate statements released this week, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and dry bulk association INTERCARGO called on governments and parties to armed conflicts to uphold international law, protect civilian shipping, and ensure the safety of the world’s merchant mariners.

The appeals come nearly five months after fighting in the Middle East intensified and amid a sharp escalation of attacks on commercial vessels in both