Maritime expert lauds seafarers for sustaining international trade
Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman/ Chief Executive, Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, has lauded seaferers for sustaining international trade.
Iheanacho, a ship owner, said in Lagos on Friday that seafarers deserved commendation for sustaining the economies of many countries, by moving essential commodities across the world.
He also pointed out the need to appreciate seafarers as the world celebrated workers day.
Iheanacho, also a master mariner, noted that seafarers made huge sacrifices while working and staying for long periods away from their loved ones, even at such times as the COVID-19 pandemic when families stayed together.
“Ultimately, those who work on ships are the ones who are sustaining the world economy and so we need to recognise the sacrifice that seafarers are making.
“Without them contributing to the economy, we will not have the welfare that people strive to have.
“So, by working on ships, transporting the world’s international trade and making sure that economies stay oiled, they should be commended.
“The world owes them a lot, but unfortunately, their toil is not readily recognised, because just looking at it, you make an assumption that ships are moving and how can ships move if not for the people who work on them?” he asked.
He said seafarers who survived this difficult times with the transit of the pandemic all over the world, should be recognised, appreciated for the sacrifices they are making.
“Most of the times they make these sacrifices away from their families and loved ones, and so the need to ensure that we put in place the necessary facilities to ensure that their stay on board ships is made as comfortable as possible,” he said.
By Moses Uwagbale