INTERCARGO Urges Protection of Seafarers and Civilian Merchant Shipping Amid Rising Attacks

30 July 2026

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has called on governments, international institutions, and parties to armed conflicts to take concrete steps to halt attacks on civilian merchant shipping and safeguard the seafarers who crew those vessels.

INTERCARGO reports a recent increase in attacks on merchant vessels, accompanied by a noticeable shift toward the direct targeting of commercial shipping. The organization described this trend as deeply concerning to its members and to the wider maritime industry.

"Seafarers keep global trade moving," INTERCARGO stated. "They are civilians doing their jobs. They should never be treated as military targets."

The organization emphasized that merchant vessels not involved in hostilities have long been recognized as deserving protection under international law, including principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international humanitarian law. Attacks on such vessels put the lives of ordinary working people at risk for reasons unrelated to their employment, INTERCARGO noted.

INTERCARGO's members continue to transport food, fertilizer, and other essential goods that populations and economies worldwide depend upon. The shipping industry carries approximately 90% of global trade, making the safety of maritime routes critical to international supply chains. Disruptions to key shipping lanes in recent years — whether from conflict zones, piracy, or other security threats — have underscored how vulnerable these supply chains can be and how quickly delays or reroutements affect commodity availability and costs.

"Every seafarer deserves to do that job safely and to return home," the organization said.

INTERCARGO's appeal adds to a growing chorus from across the maritime sector, where industry bodies including the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) have similarly pressed for stronger enforcement of protections for civilian shipping and seafarer welfare.

INTERCARGO called on all stakeholders to ensure that the seas remain a space for trade and cooperation rather than conflict. The organization urged restraint, respect for international law, and renewed protection for maritime workers, standing with the broader shipping community in these appeals.

Source: INTERCARGO