Jamaica’s shipping industry, and by extension the Caribbean and the world’s, has been privileged to benefit from the expertise and influence of countless individuals who have, over the past several decades, made invaluable contributions to the sector. 

Their accomplishments are astounding, ranging from the physical development of the ports to the progress of its industrious workers and their advancement as individuals and a whole. For over eight decades, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) has strived to acknowledge their collective efforts and we continue that enduring task of identifying and honouring these towering figures of the maritime sphere.

Jamaica has affirmed its commitment to the marine environment and blue economy as it was re-elected to Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Declaring, through a prerecorded statement played at the opening of the IMO’s 32nd Assembly, that “Jamaica stands ready to partner with the IMO”, The Hon. Robert Montague, Minister of Transport and Mining, said: “Jamaica remains mindful of the vulnerabilities of our location but also our responsibilities to join with the international maritime community to preserve and protect the marine environment and the blue economy. With the impacts of climate change, Jamaica remains ready to assist our Caribbean partners. We continue to show leadership in the region in partnering with the IMO to find viable solutions to reduce emissions.”

Jamaica has been re-elected for a seventh term to serve in Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Council is the governing body of the IMO when the Assembly, which meets biennially, is not in session.  It approves the work of the various committees, proposes the budget, appoints the Secretary General for the Assembly’s approval, and makes policy recommendations including the IMO’s strategic plan.

Restrictions on crew change and repatriations are impacting cadets at a time when the shipping industry desperately needs to recruit more young people.

Crew travel problems can have a knock-on effect on cadet training by preventing a cadet from reaching their ship placement to gain vital experience at sea or delaying them from returning to continue the next phase of their maritime studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet. Shipping has continued to transport more than 80% of world trade,
including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery – but hundreds of thousands of seafarers face a humanitarian crisis as they have been stranded at sea, unable to get off the ships they operate with contracts extended by many months. This needs to be addressed urgently, through Governments designating seafarers as essential workers and ensuring safe crew changes can take place.