Ships sound horns in support of “unsung heroes of global trade”

Following the call by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and its global network of national member associations and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) ships across the world sounded their horns today to support “unsung heroes of global trade” for International Workers’ Day.

In the communication to its members ICS and ITF said “1^st May is recognised in many countries around the world as International Workers’ Day, Workers’ Day, Labour Day or May Day. This is a day which is used to celebrate and recognise the contribution made by workers across the world. At this difficult time for the world we want to ensure that the contribution made by seafarers is not forgotten. Therefore, we want to encourage as many ships as possible across the world, who are in a port or harbour, to sound their horns (as is safe to do so) at 12.00 local time on 1^st May 2020. Please ask your member companies, shipowners, managers, port operators and any relevant stakeholder to encourage ships captains to action this gesture.”

“We would also encourage national associations to invite government ministers to recognise this contribution by providing a quote or public statement of support. This will help further raise the issue of seafarer crew change in the political realm to provide further pressure to facilitate action.”