ITF News Update
Malaysia Detains Two Tankers Accused of Trading Iranian Oil
Malaysian officials are reporting that they are detaining two tankers suspected of conducting an illegal ship-to-ship oil transfer. While they are investigating the circumstances of the situation discovered earlier this week, the not-for-profit group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) posted online citing the vessels as the latest example of the ongoing trade in sanctioned Iranian oil by the shadow fleet of tankers.
St Kitts and Nevis registry takes flak in triple abandonment case
The St Kitts and Nevis ship registry stands accused of evading its responsibility to more than 30 seafarers by deregistering three ships on which they are abandoned, a tactic which has been roundly condemned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
https://splash247.com/st-kitts-and-nevis-registry-takes-flak-in-triple-abandonment-case/
Seafarer’s better benefits under the Collective Bargaining Agreement
The seafarer employment contract (SEC) approved by the Department Migrant Workers (DMW) merely provides the minimum acceptable terms but he may also claim superior benefits if the employment is covered by an overriding Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
https://headtopics.com/ph/seafarer-s-better-benefits-under-the-collective-bargaining-47993599
Seamen eye shore leave, family visits on cruise ships
Even as the Goa government and the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) are working on a plan to set up a world cruise terminal at the Mormugao Port, to give further boost to tourism, Goan seafarers employed on the cruise ships berthing at the Port have nothing to cheer about.
https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/seamen-eye-shore-leave-family-visits-on-cruise-ships/105301.html
Danica Crewing Specialists: STCW training should focus on new technology developments and leadership
In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Henrik Jensen, CEO and Founder of Danica Crewing Specialists, suggests how seafarer training should adapt to new challenges and highlights the importance of providing to seafarers fully contracted employment.
Stranded seafarers abandoned by flag-registration country
Thirty mariners on board three vessels belonging to one company and registered under the flag of the Caribbean island federation, St Kitts and Nevis, are running out of food and water in an ordeal at sea referred to as “a triple abandonment case”.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/stranded-seafarers-abandoned-flag-registration-country
Key Indonesian fish populations depleted & new assessments needed, study shows
JAKARTA — The wild populations that sustain a significant Indonesian fishery are more depleted than the government had estimated, as highlighted by a recent scientific study. The authors have called for a reevaluation of the method used to assess fish stocks to address the overexploitation of these populations.
Dark fleet offers higher wages but for seafarers cost could be even higher
Seafarers are warned that apparently better paid jobs on dark fleet ships could come at an even higher cost if a casualty occurs.
The growing so-called dark fleet of vessels transporting sanctioned oil cargoes has grown rapidly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year and Windward.ai has identified up to 1,100 ships in this shadow trading fleet.
Shipping Contributes Heavily to Climate Change. Are Green Ships the Solution?
The container shipping lines that carry the bulk of global trade are betting on greener technologies, but there are still reasons those wagers could fail. On a bright September day on the harbor in Copenhagen, several hundred people gathered to welcome the official arrival of Laura Maersk.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/business/economy/shipping-climate-change-green-fuel.html
European Marine Safety Agency Reveals Positive Trend in Maritime Safety
The European Marine Safety Agency has released its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents, revealing a significant reduction in the number of marine accidents in 2022. According to the report, there were 2,510 marine casualties and incidents reported, marking a decrease of 182 compared to 2021 and 84 compared to 2020.
https://gcaptain.com/european-marine-safety-agency-reveals-positive-trend-in-maritime-safety/
ITF & JNG: CONCERNS REGARDING UKRAINIAN SEAFARERS ENTERING RUSSIAN PORTS AND TERRITORIAL WATERS
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, seafarers, regardless of nationality, employed on board vessels trading in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov area have been negatively impacted, which is why the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have designated areas in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as ‘Warlike Operations Areas’ triggering an increased security level and other entitlements for seafarers in the war zone.
Global Shipping Blog Takes Aim At SKN Ship Registry Over Stranded Seafarers.
The St Kitts and Nevis ship registry stands accused of evading its responsibility to more than 30 mariners by deflagging three ships on which they are abandoned, a tactic which has been roundly condemned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
MOL Introducing ‘MarTrust’ Payment Service for Seafarers to Improve Quality of Onboard Life
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that it has decided to introduce MarTrust, a payment service specialized for ocean shipping, for all seafarers onboard vessels managed by MOL Group ship management companies, aiming to improve seafarers’ quality of life by providing a portion of payroll through electronic payment services on mobile applications.
Shipping braces for impact as Panama Canal slashes capacity
Container ships could block most LNG, LPG carriers from larger locks. After its driest October on record, the Panama Canal will severely restrict transit capacity to conserve water. Shipping will feel the effects in the months ahead, with different vessel types facing different fallout.
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/shipping-braces-for-impact-as-panama-canal-slashes-capacity
Ukrainian Captain Refuses to Sail Home to Avoid Getting Drafted
A Ukrainian state-owned ship is stuck at the port of Burgas, Bulgaria because the captain refused to return to Ukrainian waters, according to local media. The coastal bulker Izmail has been stuck at Burgas since October 22, when she arrived to offload a cargo of salt, according to local outlet Flagman.bg.
Marco Polo Ferry is Refloated and Will be Brought to Swedish Port Tomorrow
The grounded ferry Marco Polo (15,955 gross tons) was successfully refloated today with only minimal additional environmental impact. The salvage operation is expected to be completed on Thursday, November 2, although the oil cleanup is expected to continue far longer.
Seafarers Happiness Index suffers its longest decline
Further concern over seafarer welfare has been raised by the results of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index, which reveals a further drop in seafarer happiness and marks the longest sustained decline since the index was founded. This report covers Q3 2023 and is the third successive report to show a decline, sparking fears over the impact on all those working at sea.
https://splash247.com/seafarers-happiness-index-suffers-its-longest-decline/
Inland waterways guidance updated for UK
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has updated its UK inland waterways and categorisation of waterways guidance, intended for owners, operators and masters of vessels on inland waters including how to apply, safety requirements and best practice.
Rwanda Ratifies ILO Convention on Ending Violence, Harassment
Rwanda on Wednesday, November 1, officially ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Convention No. 190 (C190), which focuses on ending violence and harassment in the world of work… With this act, Rwanda joins the ranks of 36 nations worldwide and becomes the ninth African country to ratify convention.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202311030051.html
Seattle Seafarers Center Provides Unique Support to Ship Crews
The life of a mariner is not for the faint of heart. Long hours, grueling work, confined quarters, and being away from family and friends for months at a time can take its toll on these workers from all over the world. As their ships make stops in ports hundreds or thousands away from home, having the support of someone on land can make all the difference.
https://www.portseattle.org/blog/seattle-seafarers-center-provides-unique-support-ship-crews
Mission to Seafarers bringing its important message to Saudi Arabia and beyond
In an interview with Seatrade Maritime, the Mission’s Port Development Manager Paul Trathen discusses the organisation’s plans for Saudi Arabia, the services it provides to seafarers, and the importance of keeping seafarers in mind especially as the world moves on from the pandemic.