Shippingtelegraph: Strike over ‘stuck’ Greek seamen in war-torn Middle East: PNO says
All categories of ships will remain in port Thursday due to a 24-hour strike called by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) to take immediate action for those Greek seafarers who remain stuck on merchant ships in the war-torn Middle East.
The decision to declare a 24-hour nationwide strike on March 5, 2026, Thursday, starting at 00.01 and ending at 24.00 was taken due to the developments in the Middle East.
In a statement Tuesday, PNO also voiced strong opposition to reported government plans for a Greek passenger-vehicle-high-speed ship to be send to the area where the war is raging. “No vessel will leave Greece for the Middle East region,” PNO highlighted in its announcement, adding: “We consider it provocative and dangerous, if these allegations are true, that an itinerary for the war-torn region will be approved.”
“All humanity is watching with bated breath the military conflict that has erupted in the region and what its implications will be. At the same time, in the Strait of Hormuz and also in the wider area of the Gulf of Oman, hundreds of ships are trapped, on which our Greek and foreign colleagues serve,” PNO said.
The PNO called for the entire area to be declared a forbidden zone for merchant shipping, and urged Greek authorities to “immediately” extract seamen trapped in the war-area.
It also urged the ministry to take care of the students who are on the ships in question and cannot return to continue with their studies.
Thursday’s strike will start at 00:01 am and end at midnight.
Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy Vasilis Kikilias said the safety of seafarers is a top priority.
“10 Greek-flagged ships are in the Gulf. We are in contact with our seafarers 24/7 and I am glad they are well, but I am still worried. We cannot rule out the possibility of bigger problems,” Kikilias said.
In addition to concerns over maritime traffic, Greece said it has put in place a plan to repatriate thousands of its nationals stranded in the region. However, the effort faces significant obstacles as the airspace remains closed in the vast majority of countries in the region.
In countries where there are Greek citizens and the airspace is open, the Greek ministry of foreign affairs is planning repatriation flights.
Related Posts
