The 33rd Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) Seafarers Committee (SC) convened online on 16 October 2026, hosted by the China Shipowners’ Association. Members discussed pressing regional seafarer-workforce challenges, key IMO regulatory outputs, alternative-fuel and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) training, the far-reaching human impact of geopolitical tensions upon seafarers’ security, mental wellbeing and welfare, as well as implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006).

Against a backdrop of demographic ageing and persistent challenges in attracting and retaining seafarers across Asia, the member associations shared national-level experiences and practical lessons on seafarer recruitment, retention and training. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for Asia to upgrade MET systems to match industry transformation requirements.

Participants reviewed key outcomes from IMO HTW 12. Substantial progress was made on interim training guidelines for methanol-/ethanol-fuelled, ammonia-fuelled, hydrogen-fuel-cell, hydrogen-fuelled, battery-powered ships and wind-propulsion systems. ASA SC encouraged Asian stakeholders to align domestic training arrangements with these emerging IMO standards and to actively support the ongoing STCW revision process.

Delegates examined the newly-adopted non-mandatory MASS Code and its multi-phase implementation roadmap. Autonomous operations will transform onboard functions, create new competency requirements and expand the role of shore-based Remote Operation Centres. The Committee called for intensified regional exchange on training needs for seafarers working with autonomous-ship technology.

Delegates fully recognized the strategic importance of smart shipping, green transition and new technologies for seafarer development. The Committee called for strengthened cooperation and practical, implementable actions on MASS training and certification frameworks, harmonized alternative fuel training standards, and best practice sharing.

ASA SC expressed grave concern over the human toll caused by persistent geopolitical turbulence across the Strait of Hormuz, Black Sea and Red Sea/Gulf of Aden. Escalating security threats, vessel attacks, piracy resurgence, crew detention and prolonged on-board confinement inflict severe harm on seafarers’ personal safety, psychological health and overall welfare. Seafarers must not become collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts. The Committee supports IMO-led actions to protect crews in high-risk areas, uphold due process, enable safe evacuation and deliver emergency supplies for stranded seafarers.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the adoption of MLC 2006, members reaffirmed commitment to its full and consistent implementation to protect seafarers’ living-working conditions, work-rest regimes and repatriation rights. The Committee emphasized the alarming severity of surging seafarer-abandonment cases, with record-breaking volumes recorded in recent years. It urged rigorous enforcement of the mandatory MLC 2006 financial-security (insurance) regime and full application of joint ILO-IMO guidance, to prevent abandonment incidents and ensure timely remedies for affected seafarers.

Moving forward, ASA SC will uphold the principle “Seafarers are the cornerstone of shipping”, and continue to consolidate practical regional experiences, coordinate collective industry perspectives and engage constructively with global partners. The Committee will persist in advocating safe, fair and decent working conditions, as well as enhanced competency development for Asian seafarers through the maritime decarbonisation and digital transition.