Noting that they were "on the front lines in responding to the epidemic by ensuring that essential supplies of food, fuel and medicines reach their destinations," the London-based International Maritime Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in a statement today, called for seafarers not to "pay for the actions that Governments or others may take."

The International Chamber of Maritime Commerce warned that supply networks would be affected "if the free movement of Ukrainian and Russian sailors is impeded."

"The safety of our seas is our absolute priority," ICC Secretary-General Jay Platten said in the statement.

"We hope that all parties will continue to facilitate the free transport of goods and these essential workers for the time being," Agence France Presse quoted Platten as saying.

Shipping is reported to be responsible for transporting approximately 90% of world trade. In order to maintain trade without obstacles, seafarers must be able to board and disembark ships "freely throughout the world" and receive their wages through international banking systems, the Organization reported.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has already warned of a shortage of seamen on merchant vessels during the Covid-19 pandemic if no action is taken to increase it.

Russians and Ukrainians accounted for 14.5 percent of the world's shipping labour in 2021, with 198,123 Russian sailors and 7,6442 Ukrainian sailors.