Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ shipping industry joined the global maritime community in marking this year’s Day of the Seafarer, paying tribute to seafarers who keep goods, energy and food moving worldwide while facing significant risks. The Cyprus Shipping Chamber said seafarers remain central to global supply chains despite their role often going unnoticed in everyday life.
Cyprus Shipping Chamber statement
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) said, “Behind every shipment delivered, every supermarket stocked and every economy connected, there is a #Seafarer making it possible.”
It said this year’s theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks”, comes at a particularly difficult moment for the industry, with crews continuing to face long periods away from home, demanding working conditions, security threats at sea and the wider impact of geopolitical tensions on global shipping.
The chamber said the day is not only about recognition but also a reminder that those who keep trade moving should not be left to carry these pressures alone.
“While Seafarers carry world trade, they should not have to carry these challenges alone,” it said, adding that “today, we stand with Seafarers everywhere and express our respect, appreciation and continue our support for the people who keep global trade moving safely across the world’s oceans and protect them.”
International policy priorities
The statement came as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) issued a broader declaration setting out ten key policy focus areas for governments, industry, unions and international organisations. The measures are aimed at improving seafarers’ lives and placing their welfare more firmly at the centre of public policy.
According to the ICS, about 90 per cent of world trade is transported by sea, supported by more than 2.5 million seafarers working on up to 74,000 vessels.
These crews move more than 12 billion tonnes of cargo each year, along with more than 30 million ocean-going passengers, making shipping essential to trade, energy security, food supply and crisis resilience.
Concerns over visibility
Despite their central role, the ICS said seafarers often remain largely invisible in political decision-making outside maritime ministries.