SHIPS’ horns have been sounded at 1200 hrs local time in ports around the world as part of an initiative by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation.

“Our seafarers are the unsung heroes of global trade and we must not forget the contribution that they are making every day to keep our countries supplied with the goods that we need,” said ICS secretary-general Guy Platten.

“The sounding of ships’ horns in ports on the day that the world recognises the contribution of workers is an ideal way to remind us all of their sacrifice. They are all Heroes at Sea.”

The #HeroesAtSeaShoutout has support across the world from New Zealand to Canada, with a number of large fleets committed to joining in.

Lloyd’s List is hunkered down in lockdown and has no horn to sound, but will be sparing a thought for the many thousands of seafarers doing crucial work in trying conditions to keep trade moving.

Singapore at 1200 local today 01 May - brilliant for our #HeroesAtSeaShoutoutpic.twitter.com/5xvtgehrZD

#Shoutout to all in #Singapore for your support of the 150,000 who are waiting #crewchange and the 1.2 million #seafarers who are keeping us all supplied. #InternationalWorkersDay#HeroesAtSeaShoutout#Shipping#MayDay#HeroesAtSeaShoutout#Maritimepic.twitter.com/zGD4tNqxLh

Our team o/b ‘Iron Phoenix’ led by Capt. Harish Lohani, sounds the horn at noon (LT) in support of 1.6 million #UnsungHeroes of global trade & to recognize their efforts keeping supply chains open during the pandemic! #HeroesAtSeaShoutout#LabourDay2020@Capt_Unni@shippingicspic.twitter.com/sAnEajjrb7

Whistle blowing by ships at Singapore, A gesture of solidarity to recognise all seafarers across the globe, who are the unsung heroes of global trade.#LabourDay#cobid19#HeroesAtSeaShoutoutpic.twitter.com/02ysacl50P