As the drive to protect our oceans gains momentum, INTERCARGO celebrates Day of the Seafarer 2023 which, this year, focuses on seafarers' contributions to protecting the marine environment, in line with the World Maritime theme “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” #OceansWorthProtecting

Seafarers play a huge and important part in protecting the marine environment. Collaboration is vital as we all work together to bring about not only a cleaner and safer dry bulk sector but also an improved industry as a whole.

Moreover, on this day, we want to thank the men and women who make up our more than 1.6 million seafarers, working all around the world and often spending a long time away from their homes and loved ones. It is also a day to celebrate all they achieve in terms of career progression and satisfaction in what is a very rewarding industry to work in.

Of these seafarers, more than 350,000 serve the bulk carrier sector, crewing more than 13,000 vessels, and transporting essential cargoes such as food, energy, and raw materials. Many will go on from their seafaring careers to enjoy further success in roles onshore, whether it be as a marine surveyor, engineer, or trainer, all drawing from their experience and time at sea. The seafarers of today are the industry leaders of the future, reshaping the maritime industry by improving standards at sea for the safe operation of ships.