27/05/2026
Circular 004 of 2026 27th May, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sub: 39th Asian Seafarers’ Summit Meeting (ASSM) & the 31st Norwegian/Asian Seafarers’ Committee (NASCO) Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia
The 39th Asian Seafarers’ Summit Meeting (ASSM) and the 31st Norwegian/Asian Seafarers’ Committee (NASCO) meeting was held from 26th to 27th May 2026 in Bali, bringing together maritime unions and representatives from across Asia to discuss issues concerning the welfare, safety, training, and future of seafarers and their families. The summit served as an important platform for strengthening solidarity among Asian maritime unions and Norwegian Seafarers, while addressing the growing challenges faced by seafarers worldwide.
The ASSM meeting on 26th May 2026 commenced with opening remarks by the Honorary Chair and President of the Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), Mr. Mitsuharu Matsuura, followed by the Co-Chair and President of Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), Prof. Dr. Mathias Tambing, and the Co-Chair and General Secretary of Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), Mr. I Dewa Nyoman Budiasa.
Thereafter, Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, welcomed all delegates on behalf of the National Union of Seafarers of India and the Indian seafaring fraternity. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Japan Seamen’s Union and Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia for hosting the summit.
In his address, he highlighted the critical role played by Asian seafarers in global shipping and international trade. He also drew attention to the increasing challenges faced by seafarers, including geopolitical conflicts, war-zone risks, mental health concerns, criminalisation, fatigue, and uncertainty. Emphasising the maritime industry’s transition towards digitalisation and greener fuels, he stressed that seafarers must not be left behind in this transformation. He underlined the importance of training, upskilling, employment protection, safety, and welfare as key priorities in future maritime policies. He further called for stronger regional solidarity among Asian maritime unions to safeguard the dignity, welfare, and future of seafarers.
Shri Louis Gomes, Vice President, NUSI, addressed the summit on the ongoing maritime crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman and its impact on Indian seafarers. He informed the delegates that thousands of Indian seafarers continue to remain stranded in the region due to severe operational disruptions and security threats.
It was reported that 16 vessels carrying Indian seafarers had come under attack, while 14 Indian-flagged vessels, with approximately 374 Indian seafarers onboard, remained directly affected. Although eight vessels had safely transited towards India, the crisis had already resulted in seven casualties, including one missing seafarer, while several others sustained injuries.
A joint meeting involving Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, ITF, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, and NUSI was convened to review the situation and coordinate urgent safety and welfare measures. The Indian Navy continues to monitor the region closely and support maritime safety operations.
As part of immediate relief efforts, financial assistance of Rs. 10,00,000 through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) and an additional Rs. 10,00,000 through NUSI was announced for affected casualties. NUSI also reaffirmed its continued engagement with the Government of India and the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure coordinated international action, crew welfare, safe navigation, and timely repatriation of affected seafarers.
During the summit, he also presented the proposals of NUSI for the 2027 International Bargaining Forum (IBF) negotiations. The proposals focused on improving wages, welfare, safety, and working conditions for seafarers.
NUSI emphasised that the proposals aim to strengthen social protection, welfare, and fair working conditions for seafarers while ensuring sustainable industry practices.
Shri Sunil Nair, Assistant General Secretary, NUSI, addressed the delegates on the maritime industry’s transition towards alternative and low-carbon fuels. He explained that future ships are expected to increasingly operate on fuels such as LNG, Methanol, Ethanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen as part of global decarbonisation efforts.
To prepare Indian seafarers for this transition, NUSI has initiated specialised training programmes at the NUSI Offshore Training Institute, Panvel, and the NUSI Maritime Academy, Goa in accordance with Directorate General of Shipping guidelines.
The initiatives include:
* Virtual Reality-based training for dual-fuel operations and emergency response.
* LNG bunkering simulators and practical manifold training setups.
* Specialised competency programmes for Methanol, Ethanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen fuel operations.
* Advanced training for Ratings serving onboard gas carriers and dual-fuel vessels.
He also reiterated that NUSI supports the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s principle of a “Just Transition”, ensuring that the shift towards greener shipping remains fair, inclusive, and worker-centric.
Shri Suresh Solanki, Organising Secretary, NUSI, spoke extensively on the importance of physical and mental well-being among seafarers. He highlighted the increasing concerns relating to stress, fatigue, anxiety, isolation, depression, and su***de arising from prolonged periods at sea and separation from families.
To address these challenges, NUSI launched NUSI Sahara in 2017 as a dedicated 24x7 toll-free helpline providing counselling, emotional support, and welfare assistance to seafarers and their families.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NUSI Sahara played a significant role in supporting stranded seafarers during the global crew change crisis by offering counselling and humanitarian assistance. The initiative continues to provide confidential counselling services, stress management support, awareness programmes, and physical counselling sessions at NUSI premises and shipping company offices.
The initiative and impact of NUSI Sahara also inspired the Government of India to introduce “Sagar Mein Yog”, an initiative aimed at promoting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of seafarers.
In view of the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, NUSI Sahara is actively extending counselling and emotional support to affected seafarers and their families.
During the summit, a resolution was unanimously passed expressing solidarity and support for the safe passage and welfare of seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Delegates also observed condolences and prayers for seafarers who lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The summit concluded with a social evening organised by Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), during which the National Union of Seafarers of India received appreciation for its welfare initiatives, training programmes, and continued efforts towards safeguarding the interests of Indian seafarers and their families.
Following the successful conclusion of the 39th Asian Seafarers’ Summit Meeting (ASSM), the 31st Norwegian/Asian Seafarers’ Committee (NASCO) Meeting was held on 27th May 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. The meeting brought together representatives of Asian maritime unions and Norwegian maritime organisations to deliberate on matters concerning seafarers’ welfare, employment opportunities, training, and ongoing maritime developments.
The NASCO meeting commenced with an address by Captain Hans Sande, CEO, Norwegian Maritime Officers Association, who provided an update on the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) resolutions and outlined the position of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Norwegian Maritime Officers Association regarding the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
During the meeting, Mr. P**l Tangen, Director – Head of Negotiations, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, delivered a presentation on the future training of seafarers. He highlighted the evolving demands of the maritime industry, particularly in view of digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation, and the increasing use of alternative fuels. He emphasised the importance of continuous upskilling, specialised competency-based training, and preparing seafarers to adapt to emerging technologies and future operational requirements.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on the impact of the crisis on global shipping operations, the safety and welfare of seafarers navigating high-risk areas, and the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding maritime personnel.
During the deliberations, it was also highlighted that there is a bright future for Indian seafarers on Norwegian-owned vessels, considering their professionalism, competency, adaptability, and significant contribution to the global maritime industry.
The 39th Asian Seafarers’ Summit Meeting (ASSM) and the 31st Norwegian/Asian Seafarers’ Committee (NASCO) meeting concluded on a positive and constructive note, reaffirming the continued cooperation and solidarity between Asian maritime unions and Norwegian maritime organisations in addressing the challenges faced by seafarers worldwide.
Long Live NUSI, Long Live Seafarers Unity
In solidarity,
Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
JAI HIND JAI NAVIK JAI NUSI
