The Ministry of Trade Union for Ports and Shipping, as stated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is focused on enhancing Kollam Port. This effort includes accommodating luxury and freight vessels and launching services to Minicoy Island. The state must prepare a proposal to align with the Sagarmala project for optimal development.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), under President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto, is launching “OceanCare” on May 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance seafarers’ mental health by providing confidential resources. In partnership with the Mission of Seafarers UK, it introduces a welfare officer for personalized support, prioritizing crew well-being at sea and home.
Female seafarers are a small minority in the maritime workforce, but there has been a 45% increase in women pursuing careers at sea in the past decade. Challenges include workplace culture, career advancement, and support systems. Sailors’ Society offers specific support through a female helpline and Peer-to-Peer Support Group to address these issues.
Intercargo has praised the International Labor Organization for recognizing seafarers as essential workers under the Maritime Labor Convention. This landmark decision aims to enhance seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment and access to vital resources. Chairman John Xylas highlights the importance of this acknowledgment in addressing challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac ensured support for Filipino seafarers repatriated from Malaysia. The crew of vessel MT Krishna 1 received financial aid and skills training vouchers. DMW will investigate the manning agency and shipowner. The repatriation reflects DMW’s commitment to safeguard overseas Filipino workers, the nation’s modern heroes.
In an effort to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the maritime industry, NeurodiversAtSea, the Seafarers Hospital Society, and The Seafarers’ Charity have launched a groundbreaking project to provide support to neurodivergent seafarers. This initiative aims to address the lack of industry support for neurodivergent employees and provide necessary assessments and adjustments for neurodivergent seafarers.
The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore involving the boxship Dali led to the deaths of six maintenance workers. Despite a year passing, eight Indian seafarers from the Dali remain in Baltimore as investigations continue. Synergy Marine Group ensures their well-being, providing support and essential services.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently met with the eight Filipino crew members of MV Solong, which was involved in a tragic incident off the northeast coast of England. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured full support and financial aid to the seafarers. Despite the loss of one crew member, ongoing investigations and continued assistance are being provided.
A crew stranded on a beached cargo ship in the Humber estuary is receiving essential supplies and donations of sweets from concerned locals. The ship, H&S Wisdom, got stuck on a sandbank after traveling from Rotterdam. Efforts to refloat the vessel are set to begin soon, with support from rescuers and the community.
Sailors’ Society has launched a helpline for female seafarers, offering emotional support and crisis assistance. With women making up only 2% of the maritime workforce, this initiative aims to provide a safe space for female cadets and seafarers to seek help. Supported by Skuld, the helpline is a step towards gender equality in the industry.
Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in Baghdad to discuss cooperation in training, regulation, and depositing agreements. They emphasized Iraq’s commitment to strengthening relations with IMO, developing port infrastructure, and completing projects like the Al-Faw Grand Port. The meeting highlighted mutual interest in enhancing Iraq’s maritime sector.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index reveals a troubling decline in seafarers’ morale due to isolation and workload challenges. Compounded by record abandonment rates, it’s crucial for the maritime industry to prioritize the welfare of seafarers. Addressing these issues is vital for improving their overall well-being and ensuring a sustainable future for maritime operations.
Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), part of OneCare Group (OCG), now offers support for seafarers’ families. Seafarers face mental health challenges at sea, but their loved ones also feel the strain of separation. MHSS provides therapy for children with special needs, recognizing the impact on Filipino families.
The Philippine government’s commitment to long-term maritime industry development has been well-received by key stakeholders. The updated Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 Framework aims to enhance the sea transport system’s safety, reliability, efficiency, affordability, sustainability, and integration for passengers and shippers. It also focuses on increasing the capacity and production.
Hecla Emissions Management, a collaboration between Wilhelmsen Ship Management and Affinity Shipping LLP, launched the FuelEU Maritime Exchange platform in Singapore on September 26, 2024. This innovative platform allows secure trading of compliance balances to promote the adoption of alternative fuels in the shipping industry, addressing the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation.
