ITF News Update
The front line against abandonment
The International Transport Workers’ Federation and its inspectors get seafarers home when they are abandoned by unscrupulous employers, and fight for the pay the crew are owed. With a record number of cases last year, Rob Coston reports on two recent successes, both involving the same shipowner, which show the importance of port state cooperation.
https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/the-front-line-against-abandonment/
Abandonment issues: when a maritime connection is severed
A recent report has highlighted the increase in cases of ship abandonment – with 2022 the worst year on record. Rob Coston reports on how these actions by irresponsible shipowners are continuing to unfairly impact the lives of seafarers.
Book Review: Maritime Skills on vessels and shore
Dr. (Capt.) Vivek Jain released the seminal book for seafarers and maritime industry, on 25th June, International Day of Seafarers, “Maritime Skills on Vessels & Shore – the STCW Convention’s Relevance & Recommendations”, giving to the maritime industry a new model of skills-set for the seafarers.
https://safety4sea.com/book-review-maritime-skills-on-vessels-and-shore/
Praise and Criticism as IMO Adopts Revised GHG Strategy
The International Maritime Organization formally adopted its revised strategy addressing emissions and the targets to move toward net-zero GCG emissions at the conclusion of the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting that involved some 1,800 delegates.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/praise-and-criticism-as-imo-adopts-revised-ghg-strategy
Rising Through the Ranks: Odfjell Promotes First Female Captain
In July 2023, Lise Henriksen embarks on the next leg of her extraordinary seafaring journey as she boards Bow Sky as Captain. By that, she is writing history in the 109-year-old Norwegian chemical tanker company.
Shortlisted nominees announced for the 2023 SAFETY4SEA Awards
SAFETY4SEA is pleased to announce the distinguished shortlisted nominees for the 2023 SAFETY4SEA Awards, following an online nomination process, initiated a few months ahead within the scope of fostering Safety Excellence & Sustainable Shipping.
https://safety4sea.com/shortlisted-nominees-announced-for-the-2023-safety4sea-awards/
Illegal migration: a new criminalisation threat
Nautilus International is joining with union partners to take on the proposed Illegal Migration Bill, which poses grave risks for transport workers including seafarers. Rob Coston reports. In early 2023, Home Secretary Suella Braverman introduced the Illegal Migration Bill to Parliament.
Panama Issues Report Critical of SCA Pilots in Ever Given Grounding
More than two years after the grounding of the Ever Given containership in the Suez Canal, the Panama Maritime Authority’s Marine Safety Investigation Report has been filed with the International Maritime Organization and become public.
Chief Justice urges women in the maritime industry to mentor younger women
The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Getrude Torkornoo has urged women in the maritime industry to provide opportunities for mentorship of younger women who have shown interest in taking up careers in the Maritime and Ports sector.
https://myjoyonline.com/chief-justice-urges-women-in-the-maritime-industry-to-mentor-younger-women
VIKAND: Access to medical care for seafarers is both feasible and affordable
According to Ronald Spithout, Managing Director of VIKAND OneHealth, the industry can assure proactive health care and provide a better environment onboard by utilizing the existing digital/medical technology and innovation.
Korea to enhance working conditions for seafarers on labor shortage in industry
The South Korean government is taking immediate action to enhance employment conditions in the shipping industry to boost the income and welfare of Korean seafarers and restore their professional status.
https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800028&year=2023&no=531682
Evergreen to overtake Hapag-Lloyd as it orders 24 ships
Evergreen Marine Corp (EMC) is poised to overtake Hapag-Lloyd as the fifth largest liner operator, having finalised orders for two dozen methanol dual-fuelled 16,000 teu newbuildings.
https://theloadstar.com/evergreen-to-overtake-hapag-lloyd-as-it-orders-24-ships/
Acclaimed health and safety app expands to Latin American and Caribbean ports
A tool for port workers designed to improve safety for themselves and visiting seafarers is being launched to a second region with three new languages. The ITF Seafarers’ Trust (ITFST) today marked the official launch of its OSH Ports occupational safety and health app and online training course for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Rebekah Attard | Maritime Assistant
Inspectorate Coordination
International Transport Workers’ Federation
Direct Line: +44 (0) 207 940 9103
ITF Seafarers Support’: +44 (0) 7523 515097