“The labor and management know the most about the crewmen‘s disembarkation, return and reembarkation,” Yeom said. “Forming a task force would be the most practical way for the labor and management to tackle the employment issue together with the government.”

“Our sailors are very precious resources that hold global competitiveness,” Minister Kim said. “I will pay attention to every one of them.”

Early last month, Hanjin Shipping, the world’s seventh-largest shipping line, was put under receivership as its creditors, led by the state-run Korea Development Bank, rejected its latest self-rescue package worth 500 billion won (US$451 million), which fell short of the 700 billion won demanded by its creditors.

Its court receivership sent ripples through the global shipping network and left more than half of its ships stranded at sea with their sailors on board.

Approximately 750 South Koreans who are on board 58 ships managed by Hanjin Shipping will be put on the waiting list for unassigned sailors, according to the shipper. (Yonhap)