Several leading international and national associations of the shipping sector, including Italy's Confitarma, have called for the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader, the pure car and truck carrier of the Japanese NYK, which last November was kidnapped by Houthi militiamen ( of 20 November 2023). 'The 25 seafarers who make up the the crew of the Galaxy Leader - reads a note released today by the associations - are innocent victims of the continued aggression against global shipping and the their situation is a major concern while The commercial shipping community continues to be under attack. All efforts must be made by the international organisations and states to ensure the release of seafarers'. "It's repulsive," he continues The note - that the seafarers were kidnapped by military forces and that they have been kept away from their homes for too long. families and their loved ones. All 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader needs to be released now."