IKEA and MtS Partner to Boost Seafarer Wellbeing

The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has announced a three-year partnership with IKEA Supply AG aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of seafarers within the IKEA supply chain. The partnership was unveiled on the IMO Day of the Seafarer, with a focus on building knowledge and awareness of the vital role that seafarers play in global trade. The partnership will include a training programme for IKEA employees to ensure seafarers are properly supported and protected while onboard.

The collaborative initiative between MtS and IKEA originated from discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, when seafarers faced challenges with shore leave. The partnership aims to set a commendable standard for cargo owners in prioritizing seafarer welfare. Through the training programme ‘All you need to know about Seafarers,’ IKEA employees will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by seafarers and the importance of their welfare in sustaining the global economy.

Elisabeth Munck af Rosenschöld, Global Sustainability Manager at IKEA, highlighted the company’s commitment to improving working conditions and protecting the human rights of seafarers. The bespoke training programme, designed by MtS for IKEA, covers various topics including seafarers’ welfare needs, family life, and legal frameworks protecting their rights. By collaborating with maritime welfare specialists, IKEA aims to positively impact seafarers’ lives and contribute to a better industry standard, emphasizing the importance of seafarer welfare within the global supply chain.

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