On February 16th the International Maritime Organization announced that it is making 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains. The World Maritime Theme for 2021, “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” seeks to increase the visibility of seafarers by drawing attention to the invaluable role they play now and will continue to play in the future. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said more Governments must step up to end the crew change crisis.
