Crew working for the global liner company which has stuck the most steadfastly to Red Sea transits are remonstrating with top management.

In an email seen by Splash sent to top management, a number of staff working onboard CMA CGM ships have sought to “constructively address significant concerns” regarding the company’s current safety policies and compensation practices in relation to sending ships through high-risk areas.

Despite the heightened security risks, CMA CGM has retained the Suez/Red Sea routing for its ships on the Asia-Europe/Mediterranean route, with only its US east coast-Asia and Oceania services currently re-routed to the Cape route.

“The emotional and psychological impact on the employees and their families due to these policies cannot be overstated,” the email sent to top management states, adding: “Many of our colleagues have expressed deep concerns for their safety, and the minimal hazard pay offered is seen as dismissive of the real dangers they face. These sentiments are shared widely among our workforce and have a detrimental effect on morale and trust in company leadership.”

CMA CGM ships have had the distinction of being accompanied often by French navy vessels on Red Sea transits in recent weeks as the security situation off the Yemen coast worsens with Houthi rebels targeting more than 40 merchant vessels in the past three months, in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

The email sent anonymously by a number of seafarers working onboard CMA CGM ships calls for an immediate reassessment of the routes to avoid high-risk areas wherever possible as well as an enhancement of safety measures and protocols for ships required to navigate through potentially dangerous zones. The seafarers are also demanding a revision of compensation packages for high-risk assignments, ensuring they are commensurate with the level of risk involved.

On top of that, the workers have urged for the establishment of a transparent communication channel for employees to voice their concerns regarding safety and compensation without fear of retribution.

CMA CGM officials have yet to reply to questions sent by Splash earlier today.

Meanwhile, the Koi, a 8,586 teu containership, became the 41st merchant ship to be attacked yesterday with a missile fired from near the Aden shoreline. The ship is operated by UK-based Oceonix Services, which also operates the Marlin Luanda, a laden product tanker that was struck by a missile six days ago leading to a massive fire.

Michael Grey, a well-known industry commentator, speaking with Splash yesterday, raised the issue of the lack of focus on seafarer welfare in the ongoing Red Sea shipping crisis.

“I think the real concern is that so much public opinion is revolving around the delays to the supply lines, and almost no attention is being paid to the very real risks to the crews of ships,” Grey said, noting how two recent attacks in particular – aimed at the Genco Picardy bulk carrier and then the Marlin Luanda product tanker – had come “very close” to killing crewmembers.

“Owners have just no business exposing their – albeit casual – employees to these risks, especially as the Houthis’ aim is clearly improving with practice,” Grey said.

Latest results from the Seafarers Happiness Index reflect how growing security threats are impacting life at sea.

“It is clear that the escalating risks to seafarer safety from piracy, terrorism and war risks are having an impact on crew welfare. It is also adding to the workload burden on seafarers, due to the ramping up of security duties in higher risk waters,” the survey highlighted, going on to raise the importance of war-like operations area payments.

The European Union said yesterday it plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks.

By Sam Chambers. 1February 2024.