International News

UN Shipping Safety Group

September 30 , 2026 12 hrs 0 min 18 0

India and Liberia jointly launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4) during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.
India and Liberia are the co-chairs of the group, which includes 25 member countries.
Liberia has the world’s largest open ship registry, while India is the second-largest supplier of seafarers, with around 2.5 lakh active Indian seafarers.
The group aims to protect seafarers, improve maritime security and coordinate responses to piracy and attacks on ships.
It promotes the safe evacuation, medical treatment and repatriation of seafarers trapped in conflict zones.
Over 80% of global trade by volume is transported by sea, making safe Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) important for international trade.