South Africa’s commemoration event, held in Richards Bay under the direction of the Department of Transport and with the support of maritime and transport entities is a testament to the country’s appreciation of seafarers.
With more than 80% of world trade being transported by sea, shipping becomes essential to economies and supply chains, making seafarers the backbone of global trade.
This year’s theme “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks” places seafarers at the centre of the global conversation by acknowledging the harsh realities they face at sea and even more so, their vital contribution that keeps global trade moving.
Today, we put the spotlight on these very vital but often unseen human beings who work at sea, away form their homes, in harsh weather, piracy threats, geopolitical tensions, and safety risks to ensure that food, fuel, medicine, machinery, and other essential goods reach ports and communities around the world.
