© Chuanchai Pundej
Putin’s war against Ukraine will exacerbate the labor shortage in the logistics sector, as sanctions hinder the recruitment of seafarers and drivers.
According to data from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Russians make up 10.5% (198,123) of the world’s shipping workforce, Ukraine provides 76,442 (or 4%), and restrictions on Russian crew are Warns that it may interfere with sectors that are already suffering from labor shortages.
The ICS states: “To maintain free trade, seafarers need to be free to enter and leave ships around the world. This becomes even more difficult when flights are canceled in this region. The ability to pay seafarers, too. Must be maintained through the international banking system. “
On Tuesday, the British government announced that it would block ships with “links to Russia” from the port, and in addition to other sanctions, sources said they were “already starting to bite.”
Not specifically targeted at Russian merchant sailors, but these are affected by knock-on and crew members disembarking at some ports cannot return home due to airspace closures and a ban on Russian flights. .. There are also concerns about payments from both Russians and Ukrainians.
A spokesperson for the British Shipping Council said wage issues are being discussed daily with European and international partners.
According to one source, it was premature to measure the extent of cancellation of flights to and from Russia, the impact of restricted flights between Europe and Asia, and economic and banking sanctions, but Russian and Ukrainian crew members. Wanted to continue working.
But the source told Roadster: “We have noticed that many Ukrainians do not want their salaries to be paid to Ukrainian banks.”
An ICS spokesman said Roadster The airline learned lessons from the pandemic and used electronic wallets and prepaid cards to pay Russian and Ukrainian crew members.
“We have also received case reports that some government sanctions on flights and ships have exacerbated the problem of crew replacement for Russian and Ukrainian crews,” a spokeswoman added.
Guy Platten, ICS Secretary-General, urged all parties to continue to promote the free passage of the ship’s crew, or “these key workers.”
“The safety of our seafarers is our absolute priority and we call on all parties to prevent collateral damage from seafarers in actions that the government and others may take.”
In addition to seafarers’ concerns, according to the French trade magazine, European road transport is preparing for an increasing shortage of Ukrainian truck drivers, which is well represented by profession, especially on routes in Central Europe. www.actu-transport-logistique.fr.
Many of these drivers have reportedly returned to their families or joined the Ukrainian army following a government decision to mobilize men between the ages of 18 and 60.
European carriers such as Hegelmann (Germany), Freda (Denmark) and Waverer (Hungary) employ a significant number of Ukrainian drivers, but Poland and Lithuania alone have tens of thousands of work permits each year. Is assigned. BGL, the German Freight Transport Federation, commented:
