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Holding Labor-Management-Government Meeting to Ensure the Safety of Seafarers Following the Situation in the Middle East

  • Date

    2026.03.18.

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    163

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Holding Labor-Management-Government Meeting to Ensure the Safety of Seafarers Following the Situation in the Middle East
- Listening to labor and management suggestions and requesting cooperation until the situation is resolved


 








Kim Sungbum, acting Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, held a discussion meeting with shipping companies and ship management companies operating Korean vessels in the Persian Gulf, Korea Shipowners' Association, Korea Ship Managers’ Association, and representatives from labor unions including the Federation of Korean Maritime Workers' Unions and Council of Korean Seafarers' Unions on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the main conference room of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF).

  This meeting was arranged to explain to labor and management the measures being taken by MOF to ensure the safety of Korean seafarers and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, to listen to the difficulties and suggestions from both sides, and to review seafarer safety measures jointly in preparation for a prolonged situation.

  Both management and labor jointly requested that MOF consult with local port authorities and other relevant bodies to ensure the smooth supply of essential items such as food and fuel, as well as the embarkation and disembarkation of seafarers even if the situation becomes prolonged. In response, Acting Minister Kim said that he is consulting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local embassies to request cooperation from local port authorities and others to ensure the safety of seafarers, and that he will make sure that any additional cooperation required among the relevant agencies is handled smoothly.

  In addition, Acting Minister Kim took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the management and field officials for their efforts in establishing a smooth emergency response system and for their cooperation in stockpiling essential supplies for vessels in the region since the situation began. He also thanked the labor unions for conveying unfiltered, on-the-ground perspectives to MOF, enabling timely and effective enhancements to seafarer safety measures.

  "Continuous cooperation and collaboration among management, labor, and government are essential to address the current situation and prepare for its potential prolongation. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will remain vigilant and spare no effort in ensuring the thorough safety management of our seafarers and vessels until the situation in the Middle East is resolved," Acting Minister Kim said.
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