Al Hamriyah, UAE, 15 October 2025 — The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned the ongoing abandonment of 19 seafarers from India, Bangladesh, and Ukraine aboard the oil tanker Global Peace, anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The vessel is owned by Glory International FZ-LLC, a UAE-based company placed under U.S. sanctions in April 2025 for alleged involvement in illicit oil trade.
The crew has reportedly been stranded for 15 months, with expired contracts for over five months, and no access to repatriation, wages, or insurance. According to ITF officials, the seafarers are living in deteriorating conditions, lacking basic provisions and legal protections.
“This is a shocking case of abandonment that shines a light on how seafarers can be unseen victims of the illicit oil trade,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale.
Legal Violations and International Appeal
The ITF has formally registered the case with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) abandonment database, citing violations of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which mandates repatriation and contractual compliance for seafarers.
The tanker, Global Peace (IMO 9555199), has been anchored off Al Hamriyah port since February 2025. The ITF alleges that the vessel lacks a valid flag registration and insurance, further complicating legal accountability and enforcement.
Broader Context and Rising Abandonment Cases
This incident reflects a growing trend in seafarer abandonment, with the ITF reporting a 30% increase in cases in 2025, affecting over 2,280 workers across 222 vessels. Many of these cases are linked to sanctioned entities, where legal ambiguity and financial isolation leave crews without recourse.
The ITF is urging UAE maritime authorities to take immediate action to repatriate the crew, investigate the vessel’s ownership, and ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
Outlook
As global shipping faces increasing scrutiny over labor rights and sanctions enforcement, the Global Peace case underscores the urgent need for transparent regulation, corporate accountability, and government oversight. The ITF continues to advocate for systemic reforms to prevent future abandonment and protect the rights of migrant seafarers.
Sources: ITF Global, Maritime Executive, Marine Insight, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre itfglobal.org The Maritime Executive Marine Insight.
