In the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, a silent crisis emerged. More than 400,000 seafarers, hailing from over 75 countries, were stranded aboard their ships. This unseen humanitarian catastrophe put both the global supply chain and the safety of seafarers at risk. In response, Woodrow and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) launched a campaign with the aim of gaining key worker recognition for seafarers.
APPROACH
Our strategy combined compelling storytelling with persuasive data, humanising this crisis through international media outlets. Major tactics included a #HeroesAtSea day, an open letter to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and a leading op-ed in the New York Times. We coordinated a global horn sounding of the world’s shipping fleet. The initiative helped bring about a virtual summit on the urgent issue of stranded seafarers, hosted by the UK, and attended by other maritime nations.
Our strategy combined compelling storytelling with persuasive data, humanising this crisis through international media outlets. Major tactics included a #HeroesAtSea day, an open letter to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and a leading op-ed in the New York Times. We coordinated a global horn sounding of the world’s shipping fleet. The initiative helped bring about a virtual summit on the urgent issue of stranded seafarers, hosted by the UK, and attended by other maritime nations.
