New Report Warns of Supply Chain Risk Without Seafarer Reforms

The GLOBAL Maritime Forum (GMF) has released a new report on seafarer wellbeing, emphasizing the need for the global maritime industry to enhance working conditions and welfare in order to attract the next generation of workers. The report, titled “Improving Seafarer Well-being: Preliminary findings from the Diversity@Sea pilot project,” highlights key areas such as addressing abuse and harassment, improving work-life balance, and upgrading onboard facilities as crucial for the industry’s future and the protection of global trade.

The findings are based on a collaborative effort involving 400 seafarers and 12 major shipping companies over a ten-month period, resulting in the collection of 50,000 data points. Concerns have been raised regarding the welfare and working conditions of the 1.9 million seafarers worldwide, who play a vital role in global trade but face significant challenges and hardships both externally and within the companies they work for. Recent events, such as COVID-19 and attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthi militant group, have further exacerbated these challenges.

Susanne Justesen, director of human sustainability at the GMF, emphasized the importance of improving seafarers’ working conditions globally, not only for their well-being but also to avoid existential threats to the smooth operation of global trade. As global supply chains face increasing pressure, poor work conditions pose long-term risks, with seafarer labor shortages reaching a 17-year high. The report identifies seven critical areas for meaningful change in the industry, including zero tolerance for abuse and harassment, improved contracts, inclusive personal protective equipment, and transparent training and appraisal systems to promote fairness and career progression at sea.

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