ITF News Update
African leaders urged to harness seafarer green skills momentum
To take advantage of the social and economic benefits of shipping’s green transition, African maritime leaders are being encouraged to implement infrastructure to train and upskill seafarers.
https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/african-leaders-urged-harness-seafarer-green-skills-momentum
African Maritime Leaders Debate their Role in Decarbonizing Shipping
Last week, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and the umbrella body of African maritime regulators AAMA (Association of African Maritime Administrations) held deliberations aimed at accelerating shipping decarbonization in Africa.
Seafarer ‘Happiness’ Declines, Shipping Industry Urged to Prioritize Wellbeing
The first quarter of 2023 saw a decline in seafarers’ happiness levels, as reported by the latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) published by The Mission to Seafarers. The study, supported by NorthStandard and Idwal, captured sentiments across a broad range of welfare issues and revealed a dip in overall happiness from 7.69 to 7.1 out of 10 compared to Q4 2022.
https://gcaptain.com/seafarer-happiness-declines-shipping-industry-urged-to-prioritize-wellbeing/
Looking after the welfare of seafarers calling at Singapore port
The Covid-19 pandemic presented difficult times for seafarers, and those who support them, as crew were stranded onboard vessels unable to take shore leave or receive visitors.
6 tanker crew members seized by pirates freed in W. Africa
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Six crew members of a Liberian-flagged tanker held hostage for more than a month by pirates in West Africa have been freed, the Danish shipping company that owns the vessel said Monday.
The Cost of Crime and Corruption for Pacific Fisheries
The Pacific Ocean is the most abundant fishing region, however an uptick in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing around the islands means that might not always be true.
https://maritime-executive.com/editorials/the-cost-of-crime-and-corruption-on-pacific-fisheries
60% of maritime employees plan to seek a new job in 2023, new report finds
The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation in terms of the talent market. To better understand this transition, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) and Faststream Recruitment have launched a report titled “The Talent Market in Transition.”
Fishermen across Europe protest to defend their work and way of life
Over the last week fishermen across Europe have staged vocal protests against policies they believe put the future of the industry and their way of life in jeopardy.
https://www.icsf.net/newss/fishermen-across-europe-protest-to-defend-their-work-and-way-of-life/
Lifeboats on Cargo Ships Need to Be Redesigned to Improve Crew Safety
While there have been significant advancements in developing lifesaving equipment, the Container Ship Safety Forum says there are far too many injuries to crewmembers aboard cargo ships while launching lifeboats.
Fears over job losses as NIMASA delays seafarers certificates of competency renewal
There is heightened fear that seafarers may face job loss as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has delayed the renewal of their certificates of competency (COC) for six months.
Who wants to be a seafarer?
IF young people in the age bracket of 8 to 15 years were asked this question, chances are 8 out of 10 would want to be a seafarer, a desire especially evident for those who have relatives or neighbors who are seafarers.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/10/business/maritime/who-wants-to-be-a-seafarer/1890633
Nigeria, others urged to improve seafarers’ skills for green shipping transition
Recall that the Maritime Just Transition Task Force in its research, disclosed that about 800,000 seafarers could require additional training by the mid-2030s to use low- to zero-carbon fuels under possible net-zero targets by 2050.
2023 forecast: rising demand drives up US towboat and barge rates
US barge and towboat owners can expect a stronger inland marine transport market this year and steady business from coastal operations. Strengthening demand for dry and liquid bulk cargo, agricultural products and other goods in North America is raising volumes of inland waterways trade.
Lack of shore leave lowers seafarers’ happiness level
ACCESS to shore leave and onshore welfare services are the most significant challenges facing seafarers, according to a survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers.
EMSA: Seafarer Statistics in the EU 2021
EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency) published the Seafarer Statistics in the EU – Statistical review, based on data from certificates and endorsements registered by EU Member States, Iceland and Norway until 31 December 2021. The data was recorded in the STCW Information System (STCW-IS).
https://safety4sea.com/emsa-seafarer-statistics-in-the-eu-2021/
Women in Transport to promote gender diversity and equity in the transport industry
Women in Transport, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting diversity and equity in the transport sector, is launching a groundbreaking initiative to promote gender diversity and equity in the transport industry.
Russian court seizes four Danish-owned tugboats in Sakhalin
MOSCOW, May 10 (Reuters) – A Russian court on the Pacific island of Sakhalin has ordered the seizure of four tugboats belonging to Denmark’s Svitzer operator at the request of a Russian energy company.
AI in the maritime industry: ensuring safety and assurance
2023 will be the year next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) makes a significant appearance at Nor-Shipping, with DNV hinting at an AI-driven drone project. Speaking in Oslo in April 2023 ahead of Nor-Shipping, which takes place in June 2023, DNV group research and development programme director Hans Anton Tvete gave a peek into the areas of AI DNV is assessing.
Podcast: Empowering young women in maritime featuring Gina Panayiotou
Empowering women in maritime, the importance of mentoring, and the gender pay gap – all this and more are discussed in the latest Seatrade Maritime Podcast episode.