About us

The Eritrean Seaman Union (ESU) was founded by a dedicated group of Eritrean maritime professionals. Established in response to the need for adaptation to new maritime environments in exile, the ESU supports seafarers by guiding, assisting, and collaborating to overcome challenges and barriers to continuing their careers. The ESU advocates for Eritrean seafarers worldwide, transcending political and religious boundaries to focus on professional collaboration, human resource development, and advocacy

Our Mission

The ESU is committed to supporting Eritrean seafarers by providing:

  • Guidance: Offering displaced maritime professionals the necessary support to reclaim and rebuild their careers.
  • Resources: Ensuring access to opportunities for professional development and reintegration into the maritime industry.
  • Advocacy: Championing the rights of Eritrean seafarers and promoting their integration into the global maritime community.
  • Career and Rights Support: Assist seafarers in finding employment, while safeguarding their rights and monitoring work conditions.

Environmental Protection of the Red Sea:

  • Monitor day-to-day activities in the Red Sea, with a focus on the international shipping lines, to identify potential environmental risks.
  • Advocate for policies and practices that safeguard the ecological health of the Red Sea, ensuring sustainable maritime activities and protecting marine biodiversity.
  • Collaborate with environmental organizations and maritime authorities to promote responsible shipping practices and environmental stewardship in the region.

 

What We Do

  • Support Displaced Eritrean Seafarers: We assist Eritrean maritime professionals who have been forced to leave their country by providing career guidance and pathways for professional reintegration.
  • Promote Professional Development: We work to advance the skills and expertise of Eritrean seafarers, ensuring they remain competitive in the global maritime industry.
  • Foster Global Collaboration: The ESU promotes collaboration between Eritrean seafarers and the international maritime community, enhancing opportunities for networking and career growth.
  • Advocate for a reformed Eritrea: We prepare seafarers for future roles in a reformed Eritrea, striving to rebuild the nation’s maritime sector by empowering its professionals.

Our Vision

The ESU envisions a future where Eritrean maritime professionals are reintegrated into their field, playing a vital role in a thriving and reformed Eritrea. Our vision encompasses:

  • Restore and Enhance: Strengthen the role of Eritrean maritime professionals globally.
  • Leadership Preparation: Equip Eritrean seafarers for leadership roles in the maritime sector within a reformed Eritrea.
  • Professional Growth: Ensure continuous professional development and integration within the broader international maritime community.
  • Increase Quantity and Quality: Expand the number of Eritrean maritime professionals while enhancing the quality of their training and expertise.

Advocate for Maritime Careers: Encourage the Eritrean community, both in exile and within Eritrea, to consider maritime professions as a viable and attractive career and study option.

  • Community Outreach and Education: Conduct campaigns and workshops to inform Eritrean communities about maritime career opportunities and educational pathways.
  • Career Support and Mentorship: Provide mentorship, guidance, and access to scholarships for individuals pursuing maritime professions.
  • Policy Advocacy and Collaboration: Work with governments and industry leaders to promote policies and create job opportunities for Eritreans in the global maritime sector.

Join Us

Be part of a growing movement to uplift and empower Eritrean maritime professionals. Together, we can rebuild a thriving maritime sector for Eritrea’s future while supporting the growth and development of seafarers around the world.

More…

 With the opening of Suez Canal on 18th century, the Red Sea became directly accessible to Mediterranean traffic and an Italian Shipping line, Rubattino Navigation Company set his office on 1869 in Assab port Eritrea.

Hence, Eritrean Seamen from coastal villages and from highland had served the colonial masters until independence of Eritrea on year 1991.

After World War II practically on late years 60th and early 70th many Eritrean Seamen were employed for several private shipping company in Eritrea and neighboring countries.

The first seaman Union was established in Massawa port Eritrea on 1975. However, it was disbanded and closed by late Ethiopian military government shortly.

However, many seamen have joined the struggle for independence of Eritrea by the late years of 70th.

After Eritrea independence, the government established a national company ERITREAN SHIPPING LINES and many seamen were recruited and educated aboard and locally. However, the center of gravity of Marine industry and Shipping had shifted from Red Sea region to the Gulf on early years of 80th. Consequently, Eritrean seamen started to be recruited by shipping and off shore companies in Gulf region on the beginning of 21st century.

Currently, it is estimated that there are around one thousand five hundred Eritrean seamen all over the world. 

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Eritrean Seaman Union member´s