300,000 seafarers trapped at sea: Intercargo

In a video message, that can be viewed in full above, Fafalios warned: “Today an invisible humanitarian crisis unfolding around us. More than 300,000 are trapped at sea having ended their contractual term on board and absolutely desperate to return to their homes and families.”

While some countries and ports are starting to open up to crew change, mainly with restrictions apart from Hong Kong, there is still a huge issue facing shipping in terms of sign on and off crew members with industry association and regulatory bodies continuing to lobby for a global solution.