Over 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea! 85 investment institutions call for an end to the maritime humanitarian crisis

This creates serious health and safety problems for crew members who are already under considerable psychological and physical stress, and can lead to major safety incidents when some extremely tired crew members have to handle dangerous or perishable goods. In the event of a serious maritime accident involving these cargoes, the environmental impact could be catastrophic for the safety of the oceans and people.

After discussions with major maritime organizations, including the International Labour Organization and the International Transport Workers Union, as well as signatory investment institutions, Fidelity International made clear in an open letter to the United Nations from 85 agencies led by Fidelity International that some measures were needed.

For example, continue to call for the formal classification of seafarers. Key workers ” And establish systematic procedures to ensure that seafarers can change shifts, such as safe corridors and virus detection mechanisms; Ensure that seafarers should not spend more than the legal limit of 11 months on board and place limits on crew contracts that have to be extended; Shipowner companies, especially the more active ones, are urged to deal flexibly with shipping companies' requests to change routes so as to facilitate crew replacement, and consider providing financial support for the return of crew members.

Tony Chan, head of global corporate governance and sustainable investment at Fidelity International, said: From an investor's point of view, it is clear that this is no longer just an industry problem, nor is it a crisis that the industry alone can solve. Shipping, which accounts for 90 per cent of global trade, plays an important role not only in recovering the global economy from the impact of the pandemic, but also in sustaining people's way of life. We call for seafarers to be identified as key workers to enable them to perform essential service duties in a safe and secure manner. ”

Vincent Kaufmann, CEO of the Ethos Foundation, a Swiss sustainable development Foundation,With some 400,000 sailors in the global supply chain still stranded at sea, the situation is a humanitarian tragedy, is also a significant supply chain risk for many companies. The letter urges the UN Secretary General to advance a multilateral response, ensure that seafarers are identified as key personnel and take prompt action to improve their current working conditions.

Pat Zerega, senior director of shareholder advocacy at Mercy Investment Services, blunts: “ We are deeply concerned about the well-being of the hundreds of thousands of seafarers who have been stranded at sea over the past few months. Such a long time at sea has affected their physical and mental health. ”

“ The shipping industry is a key part of the global supply chain, and the safety of sailors and ships is important to the global economy. We would like to join other investors in calling for new and improved measures to address this looming crisis. ”