A total of 34 Greek-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, according to Deputy Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Stefanos Gkikas, responding to a parliamentary question submitted by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP Nikos Ampiatelos on “measures to protect and repatriate all seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf.”
The government is closely monitoring the situation of Greek seafarers and stands ready to respond immediately should the need arise, the deputy minister stressed.
“Ten Greek-flagged vessels remain inside the Persian Gulf, employing 90 Greek seafarers, while a further 70 Greek crew members are serving aboard two cruise ships currently in Doha and Dubai,” Gkikas said.
He added that more than 1,000 vessels of various nationalities are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, while 168 Greek-owned ships are present in the wider area, including the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
Higher remuneration
Gkikas noted that Greek seafarers working in war zones have the right to terminate their contracts upon request, adding that no such requests have been submitted so far. He also pointed out that those serving in areas where military operations are underway — including those currently stranded — receive significantly higher pay.
He also said that, according to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), designated high-risk areas include the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, the Black Sea, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The minister underlined that Iran’s obstruction of the passage of more than 1,000 vessels currently stranded in the Persian Gulf is not consistent with international law.
He noted that Greece plays a leading role in Operation ASPIDES and that the results of the mission so far have been very encouraging.
In any case, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs remains in close contact with seafarers, vessels, shipping companies and the wider maritime community. What the Greek government ultimately seeks, Gkikas concluded, is a swift return to the diplomatic table: no more war.
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