Cost-cutting measures and poor governance have left Europe’s maritime transport sector vulnerable amid crises like the ongoing conflict in Iran, warns the European Transport Workers’ Federation. An open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights the risks to over 20,000 stranded EU seafarers facing increased threats and extended voyages.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is voicing concerns over the delayed civil investigation into P&O Ferries’ 2022 dismissal of 800 seafarers. The union criticizes the Insolvency Service for its slow progress, arguing it undermines public confidence and allows company leaders to evade accountability for their actions.
Executives from ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have raised alarms over the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, warning it could impose fines of up to 5% of global revenue. Exxon CEO Darren Woods called the directive “disastrous,” while QatarEnergy’s Saad al-Kaabi hinted at potentially halting gas shipments to Europe if unchanged.
