The shipping industry is evolving with autonomous systems and AI, raising concerns about seafarers’ safety and well-being. The STEER project, by The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to assess these technologies’ real-world impacts, focusing on seafarers’ operational efficiency and mental health, ensuring their welfare amidst innovation.
The Sailors’ Society has launched an emergency appeal for seafarers and families affected by a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, Philippines. With over 70 fatalities and ongoing aftershocks, the charity is providing essential supplies like food and clean water, while preparing to reach the hardest-hit areas as conditions improve.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep sorrow over the death of a seafarer following the Houthi forces’ missile attack on the MV Minervagracht. He condemned the aggression against commercial shipping as violations of international law, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue to protect maritime workers and global trade.
In the coming decade, maritime insurance is set to evolve from a reactive tool to a proactive supporter of seafarer safety. Industry leaders stress the importance of prioritizing crew welfare, enhancing operational efficiency, and integrating safety measures into policies. This shift aims to improve the lives of those working at sea.
Elena, the wife of imprisoned seafarer Ali Albokhari, is fervently seeking justice as her husband endures a 30-year sentence in Turkey for drug charges linked to a seized ship. She claims the verdict lacked proper evidence, highlighting her husband’s despair and advocating for broader awareness of seafarer criminalization.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is enhancing its initiatives to prepare seafarers for the energy transition in shipping. It has released interim guidelines for training on alternative fuels and technologies, establishing a global framework for crew training. Specialized protocols for various fuels will support mandatory training under the revised STCW Convention Code.
Spliethoff’s cargo vessel, Minervagracht, was attacked by an explosive device in the Gulf of Aden, injuring two crew members. The ship, traveling east from Djibouti, suffered significant damage and is currently battling a fire. Spliethoff is cooperating with authorities and supporting the affected seafarers during this crisis.
Recent developments in seafarer employment include a new global minimum wage set to rise to $690 by January 2026, endorsed by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Concurrently, the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill aims to enhance seafarer protections, particularly regarding collective redundancies and employment standards.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights ruled that Filipino and Indonesian seafarers on Dutch vessels face discrimination, receiving lower wages than their EU counterparts despite equal working conditions. This landmark decision highlights the violation of economic rights and calls for reevaluation of wage practices in the maritime sector, emphasizing equal pay for equal work.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has launched innovative training frameworks for seafarers operating ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-powered ships. These publicly accessible frameworks aim to guide regulators in developing training programs and certification schemes, addressing the diverse needs of both entry-level and senior officers in the maritime industry.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
Martin Hedman, director of mental wellness practices at VIKAND, stresses the urgent need for a collective detox in the maritime industry. Resilience, while valuable, can become toxic under excessive demands, leading to burnout. To protect seafarers’ mental health, the industry must prioritize support and empathy over relentless workloads.
The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, integrating smart technologies and autonomous systems. While this enhances efficiency, it also introduces technostress among seafarers. Challenges such as techno-overload and techno-complexity increase anxiety, impacting mental health. Addressing these issues through training and support is crucial for safeguarding crew well-being.
The Ampol terminal at Kurnell, Captain Cook’s historic landing site, poses challenges for oil tanker crews seeking shore leave. The distance from Sydney and high taxi fares often keep them aboard. Marine pilot Michael Kelly’s Opal Card initiative offers public transport access, enhancing seafarers’ well-being and connection to the city.
Fabian Fussek, co-founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems, warns that the shipping industry’s dependence on outdated, paper-heavy compliance processes is overburdening crews and compromising safety. He advocates for digitalization to empower seafarers, not replace them, emphasizing that streamlined processes can enhance trust, transparency, and operational efficiency without sacrificing safety.
