Press Release
BIMCO launches film to call for the protection of seafarers
BIMCO has launched a new film as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the urgent need for governments and all relevant stakeholders to commit to protecting the men and women who make the global movement of food, fuel and everyday goods possible.
Recent years have seen an escalation of geopolitical risks, an increase in shipping lanes affected by war, inadequate government protections and unjust criminalisation of seafarers. Currently, around 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf on board ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain.
“At times of geopolitical unrest, conflict and uncertainty, disruption to global trade is a major concern worldwide. We need governments and decision makers to focus on the human cost too. Every time a ship is stranded, attacked, detained in port or hijacked, there is a family back home fearing for the lives and well-being of a parent, spouse or relative on board,” says David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO.
In addition to a rise in geopolitical uncertainty, BIMCO is increasingly concerned about the criminalisation of seafarers when drugs are found on board or in cases of environmental incidents. The shipping industry has witnessed several incidents of rogue detention and sentencing of seafarers without sufficient evidence.
“Seafarers should never be detained or sentenced without sufficient evidence and due process. We need governments to oppose liability regimes that presume guilt and we need full enforcement of international conventions to ensure that our seafarers are protected,” Loosley says.
Ever since thousands of seafarers were stranded at sea during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shipping industry has called for seafarers to be recognised as key workers to ensure their freedom of movement. The EU now has this recognition in place, and The International Labour Organization last year adopted landmark amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention to officially designate seafarers as key workers.
“We need all nations to recognise that seafarers are the backbone of global trade and economic prosperity. BIMCO strongly encourages all states and decision makers to take action and ensure protection of our seafarers,” Loosley says.
ParTner Sharing Guide
BIMCO Film: "Fair Seas"
Thank you for supporting BIMCO’s new film Fair Seas, which shines a light on the realities faced by seafarers and calls for fair treatment and protection for those who keep global trade moving.
Current affairs in the Middle East underscore the vulnerability of the global supply chain and its connection to economic stability. Seafarers keep the world supplied, and in doing so they face growing risks from political attacks, kidnapping, piracy and unjust detention.
We believe in doing everything we can to raise awareness about the importance of seafarers and keeping them protected.
Your help sharing this film through your networks will significantly increase the reach and impact of Fair Seas.
1. About the film
Fair Seas is a cinematic short film produced by BIMCO that captures the pride, resilience, and dedication of seafarers - while confronting the growing dangers they face, including piracy, political attacks, kidnapping, and unjust detention.
The film calls on governments to take action to ensure seafarers are treated fairly and protected from harm.
2. Key message to amplify
Please keep messaging simple and consistent when sharing:
- The world relies on seafarers
- Seafarers face increasing danger and unfair treatment from political attacks and unjust detention
- Seafarers deserve fairer seas
3. How you can help (quick actions)
You can support the campaign in any or all of the following ways:
- Share the film on your organisation’s social media
- Include the film in newsletters or member/customer updates
- Embed or link to the film on your website or intranet
- Play the film at events, webinars, conferences, or onboard vessels
- Encourage colleagues and partners to re-share
Tip: Upload the video file directly to social platforms where possible rather than only linking - this typically increases reach and completion rates.
4. Suggested social media captions and formats
The world relies on seafarers. Seafarers deserve fairer seas.
Seafarers are essential to world trade, yet their safety and freedom face growing threats from political attacks to unjust detention. BIMCO's latest film Fair Seas urges governments to ensure seafarers' safety and fair treatment amid increasing maritime risks.
Watch BIMCO’s new film [LINK] #FairerSeas #Seafarers
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Platform |
Recommended formats |
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LinkedIn, X |
1:1 or 16:9 |
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YouTube, WeChat |
16:9 or 9:16 |
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Instagram, TikTok, Facebook |
1:1 or 9:16 |
Access all the different formats here.
5. Using the film at events or other forums
Partners are encouraged to:
- Open events or panel sessions with the film
- Screen the film at conferences, meetings, training / educational sessions, or onboard ships
- Use it as a conversation starter on seafarer welfare and fair treatment
If you are planning a public screening or large event, BIMCO would love to hear about it.
6. Short "why share this" explainer (for internal comms)
You may find this helpful for your internal emails/messaging:
We are sharing BIMCO’s film Fair Seas to support greater awareness of the challenges faced by seafarers and to encourage governments to do more to ensure fair treatment and protection for those working at sea. The film highlights an issue that affects the entire maritime industry and global supply chains.
7. Questions or support
If you need: alternative formats , advice on promotion or additional visuals and copy please contact us at info@bimco.org.
