Red Sea is increasingly at risk as a shortage of skilled seafarers collide with the new threat of growing violence. The Red Sea attacks add another layer of complexity to this already challenging situation.
The perceived danger associated with navigating the region discourages potential recruits and incentivizes experienced seafarers to leave the profession altogether.
Attacks on commercial ships by Yemeni Houthi rebels have traumatized crews, disrupted navigation in the vital waterway, and put further strain on an already overstretched workforce.
Fueling the Demand in Red Sea
A vital link between Asia, Europe and Africa, the Red Sea accounts for more than 8% of global maritime trade volume. However, since late 2021, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched a series of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships.
These attacks, allegedly in retaliation for Saudi Arabia-led intervention in Yemen’s civil war, have sunk ships, claimed lives and upset many seafarers.
A staggering 10% of the world’s maritime trade passes through the Red Sea, a vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. But since November 2021, the Iranian-backed Houthis have launched a series of drone and missile attacks against commercial ships, allegedly in retaliation for actions by the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in the Yemeni civil war. These attacks have had a devastating impact on the well-being of seafarers and the smooth flow of global trade.
A Terrifying Ordeal of Red Sea
Greek marine engineer Costas Rasias, 34, vividly remembers the horror of a Houthi missile exploding near his ship in the Red Sea. “I was frozen,” he admits, but the memory is still raw. “I weighed up whether my life or a better income was more important.”
Interviews with more than 15 seafarers and shipping industry representatives paint a bleak picture. Many of the crew who endured these attacks suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including nightmares, hypervigilance and anxiety.
The psychological impact is further exacerbated by the lack of trained psychologists on most ships, leaving crew members to deal with the trauma alone or with limited support.
Workforce in Crisis due to Red Sea Trauma
The Red Sea attacks come at a time when the shipping industry is already suffering from a severe seafarer shortage. According to a 2021 report, the global shipping industry requires 18,000 additional personnel each year to meet current and future needs.
This shortage is attributed to several factors, including long hours, harsh working conditions and limited opportunities for advancement. The increased danger of sailing through war zones further deters potential recruits and motivates experienced seafarers to leave the profession altogether.
The impacts of the seafarer shortage are far-reaching. Delays in transit times and rising shipping costs could disrupt supply chains and increase consumer prices.
Additionally, a weakened maritime workforce could hinder the delivery of essential supplies, affecting humanitarian aid and worsening global food security.
Growing Demand
The current situation focuses heavily on the negative impact of Red Sea attacks, but it can be strengthened by incorporating the element of growing demand for seafarers.
The global shipping industry faces a perfect storm of growing demand for seafarers to navigate booming global trade and new security threats in the Red Sea.
International organizations and regional powers can work to ease tensions in the Red Sea and create a safe passage for merchant ships.
Joint efforts to improve working conditions, invest in seafarers’ training, and address seafarers’ mental health needs are critical. The world depends on seafarers’ dedication and skills.
By prioritizing their well-being, promoting more attractive maritime careers, and ensuring safe navigation in vital waterways, we can navigate these turbulent waters and keep global trade going.
