In a recent interview with Seatrade Maritime News at Posidonia, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the urgent need for the shipping industry to improve the living and working conditions of seafarers. He highlighted Greece’s significant role in global shipping, owning nearly 20% of the world’s tonnage, and urged Greek shipowners to consider their investments in sustainability and new technologies to enhance efficiency in the sector.
Dominguez pointed out that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass safety, security, and the welfare of seafarers. He stressed the importance of investing in the workforce, advocating for better training, improved facilities, and efforts to attract new talent to the industry. He also expressed concern for the 20,000 seafarers currently trapped in the Gulf region due to geopolitical tensions, noting that they are often overlooked in these conflicts.
While recognizing the challenges, Dominguez sees an opportunity for the industry to listen more closely to seafarers’ needs. Many express a desire for better accommodations, mental health support, and training rather than just higher salaries. The IMO is actively working on regulatory revisions and social aspects of labor conventions to address these issues and reduce abandonment and criminalization within the maritime workforce.
