(NEWS) WMU Launches New Project on the Abandonment of Seafarers with Support from Saudi Transport General Authority

December

2025

WMU Launches New Project on the Abandonment of Seafarers with Support from Saudi Transport General Authority

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L to R: Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, WMU President, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority, His Excellency Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services

The World Maritime University (WMU) has announced the launch of a pioneering research project to address the ongoing challenge of seafarer abandonment. The initiative is made possible through the generous financial support of the Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia, underscoring TGA’s commitment to maritime welfare and global leadership in sustainable shipping and human capital development.

The aim of the research is to investigate the root causes of the abandonment of seafarers and to analyse the actions and interactions of all actors involved in abandonment cases, in order to identify the key factors that influence the effectiveness of practical assistance provided to seafarers. The WMU project lead is Associate Professor Khanssa Lagdami, ITF Seafarers’ Trust Associate Professor of Maritime Labour Law and Policy, whose work focuses on seafarers’ rights, maritime labour standards, and human rights at sea.

The agreement for this new collaboration was formally signed during the 34th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, witnessed by international stakeholders and maritime leaders. The IMO will be closely associated with the project discussions, contributing its expertise and serving as a key forum for dialogue on strengthening the international response to seafarer abandonment.

This project builds on WMU’s recognized expertise in maritime labour issues, focusing on the root causes of abandonment, assessing the effectiveness of legal and institutional actions, and developing policy recommendations to improve seafarer protection. The project will engage international partners including governments, international organizations, industry, and seafarers’ representatives for evidence-based solutions.

This project forms part of an ongoing collaboration between WMU and the TGA, building on previous joint initiatives and high-level exchanges focused on maritime capacity development, policy development, and support for seafarers. It further consolidates the strategic relationship between the two institutions in support of safer, fairer, and more sustainable shipping.

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