The higher compensation follows the IBF agreeing to designate the Strait of Hormuz as a Temporary Extended Risk Zone, following incidents in the Gulf of Oman including the seizure of oil tanker Stena Impero by Iran.
Capt. Koichi Akamine, chairman of Joint Negotiating Group (JNG), which allows maritime employers to present to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) a coordinated view of employers from across the world, said the designation “properly addresses concerns by seafarers transiting the Straits.”
Akamine said: “After the initial attacks in the Gulf of Oman in May and June, one may feel the need to act quickly to designate a risk area. However, it is important in such events to step back and assess the real threat to shipping and the most appropriate measures to take.”
Capt. Belal Ahmed, chairman of International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), commented: “The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route, not just for the oil tankers in the forefront of current media focus, but also, for example, containerships on transit to Jebel Ali and beyond. As an employers’ association, it was important for us to reassure seafarers who may be at additional risk in the area. We would urge the responsible parties to expedite the release of the held seafarers.”
Read more: Global shipowners urge immediate action in Strait of Hormuz over Stena Impero seizure
ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel weighed in to say that “our partners have responded positively to our request to reflect the potential risks that exist for all ships and all seafarers transiting the Strait of Hormuz at this time.”
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
