Karin Orsel, a pioneering Dutch shipowner, received the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award on May 16. Emphasizing mentorship and support for women in maritime, she has led MF Shipping Group to significant growth. Orsel advocates for diversity and sees decarbonization as a key opportunity for women’s advancement in the industry.
As Women in Maritime Day approaches on May 18, the International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasizes the urgent need for gender equality in the maritime industry. With women comprising only 2% of seafarers, this year’s theme, “Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” highlights the importance of education, mentorship, and cultural change.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted new guidelines to protect seafarers from unfair treatment in foreign jurisdictions. These guidelines focus on ensuring due process, protection from coercion, and maintaining wages and medical care during legal proceedings. The goal is to promote fairness and dignity for seafarers worldwide and improve coordination among countries, shipowners, and seafarers.
During his visit to New Delhi, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez praised India’s significant contributions to sustainable shipping and seafarer welfare. He emphasized maritime cooperation and discussed strategies for advancing the sector, highlighting India’s role in promoting green practices and innovations, crucial for a cleaner and more efficient global shipping industry.
A recent investigation by the World Maritime University in Sweden uncovered widespread violations of work/rest hour regulations in the shipping industry, with seafarers working long hours linked to health risks. Many exceed 91 hours per week, far above global averages. Falsification of records and lack of enforcement contribute to fatigue and jeopardize seafarers’ well-being.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” for 2025, highlighting the importance of protecting the ocean for future generations. Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized the need for collective action and engagement of the maritime community in safeguarding the ocean. School children in London expressed concerns about plastic pollution.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
The IMO International Day for Women in Maritime 2024 celebrates progress in gender equality in the industry. Despite advancements, unconscious bias remains a challenge. Efforts to promote women in maritime roles are ongoing, with organizations like WISTA International and companies like Wallem leading the way. Continued commitment to inclusivity and equality is essential for a diverse and thriving maritime future.
Cases of seafarers being abandoned by shipowners without resources or support have become a global crisis, with many facing mental health issues. Maritime charity Stella Maris is providing assistance to those affected by this alarming trend. The International Maritime Organization reports a significant increase in abandonment cases, emphasizing the need for industry-wide action to enforce laws and hold negligent companies accountable. Deacon Joseph O’Donnell highlights the role of unlicensed agents in exploiting vulnerable seafarers.
BIO-UV Group secures a significant order from SIEM Ship Management for its innovative BIO-SEA Ballast Water Treatment Systems to be installed on three car carriers. The partnership showcases SIEM’s confidence in BIO-UV Group’s solutions, which deliver cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly ballast water treatment for marine vessels.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, has generously donated a bridge simulator to Warsash Maritime School in Southampton, UK. The simulator, previously at Inmarsat’s London headquarters, allows students to practice distress situations in a safe environment. This donation reflects Inmarsat’s commitment to maritime safety and education, aiming to save lives at sea.
Svetlana Timm-Vengerov embarked on her first sea journey at 17, traveling across the Pacific and back to Asia. Despite the male-dominated maritime industry, she became a second technical officer at Hapag Lloyd, a job that involves managing technical processes and mechanical engineering staff. The industry is making efforts to encourage more women to join.
DNV has quantified the gains that owners of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers could expect to achieve using the new Dual Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) solution developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions. The solution has been developed to overcome efficiency challenges specific to the vessel type, offering significant energy savings.
