“So, will they blame the captain or


navigating officers on the bridge?”


stalwarts” preaching the Universal Directive of Human Rights when it is happening in their developed state? And at the end of it, despite the BIMCO study on the Shortage of Manpower in shipping, is it worthwhile for new lads to join, or me to continue with this profession?’’


Despite the best statistics and safety culture among all transport Industries, based on tons/miles/time or cost effectiveness ratio and minimal loss of life, pollution, no damage to property, the fear psychosis of arrest, criminalisation is hounding sailors. Numerous studies have confirmed this over two decades and the author does not wish to narrate a single particular incident. It is also accepted that there are “black sheep” in the industry, who deserve to be punished; but branding the seafarer for every incident or accident, whether at sea, shore or even in canals, does not give any confidence to the seafarer or shipping business. Let’s not forget that had there been no shipping, half the world would have perished of cold and the other half of hunger. The seafarer is also a human being just like people


ashore and deserves to be protected in accordance with the basic tenants of the 30 articles as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rights. While the world expects the Seafarer to move the ship North to South or East to West, he has to be given his due and the “Criminalisation of Seafarers must stop”.


While the world is still combating the Coronavirus pandemic and the turmoil caused by it, in the maritime sector one of the world’s mega container ships remained stranded for 6 days during her routine transit through the Suez Canal on 23rd March 2021. The mega carrier carrying over 20,000 containers and under pilotage grounded and blocked the canal passage. This caused a blockage resulting in delays of unimaginable proportions. Hundreds of ships had their transits blocked on both sides, reported and estimated at this stage to be causing worldwide industry billions of dollars.


Putting some numbers into perspective, the closure of the canal has been estimated to cost 9 billion dollars every day.¹


The Suez Canal authorities fear 9 billion of dollars in loss of revenue and other considerable indirect expenses to get the canal in an operational state again. ‘’The amount includes a USD $300 million claim for salvage bonus and a US $ 300 million claim for loss of reputation and so on’’.


The incident has brought in many thinkers, including policy makers to think of alternatives in future, such as another canal through Israel, or alternatives Arctic routes by Russia. However, such is the depth of the scope of churning through this issue besides the immediate cause from industry experts with respect to CLAIMS, ERROR OF NAVIGATION, PILOT/MASTER ERROR, ACT OF GOD, WEATHER CONDITION - and


1 | Reported via https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56533250


The Report • June 2021 • Issue 96 | 99


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