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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