ITF News Update
IBF TO IMPLEMENT HIGH-RISK AREA IN THE RED SEA
Following the incidents in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb strait since 19 November 2023, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) have agreed to designate the southern section of the Red Sea and the Strait as a High Risk Area with effect from 22 December 2023.
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/ibf-implement-high-risk-area-in-red-sea
ITF INSPECTORS HOLDING SHIPOWNERS TO ACCOUNT
At the ITF’s Fair Practice Committee meeting earlier this month, the latest figures were presented highlighting the work of the ITF inspectors. Key findings included that as of November 2023 they had conduced 9,785 inspections (up 1,688 on the corresponding period on 2022).
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-inspectors-holding-shipowners-account
Global Shipping Firms Continue to Pause Red Sea Shipments
OSLO, NORWAY — Denmark’s Maersk and German rival Hapag-Lloyd said on Tuesday their container ships would continue to avoid the Red Sea route that gives access to the Suez Canal following a weekend attack on one of Maersk’s vessels.
https://www.voanews.com/a/global-shipping-firms-continue-to-pause-red-sea-shipments/7421950.html
Mental health matters in maritime
This month’s Nautilus Telegraph equality and diversity advice column covers tell-tale signs of poor mental health and what help is available for seafarers.
https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/mental-health-matters-in-maritime/
Roughly 75% of Industrial Fishing is Currently Undisclosed
Governments must require public vessel tracking to sustainably manage wild ocean fisheries. A new study published in the scientific journal Nature today finds that roughly 75% of industrial fishing is currently undetectable by authorities.
https://oceana.org/press-releases/roughly-75-of-industrial-fishing-is-currently-undisclosed/
Seafarers encounter growing mental health struggles as drone attacks and pirate threats escalate in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Seafarers once again find themselves on the frontline of one of the world’s conflicts as they pass through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with potential attacks coming by both air and sea; all on top of an escalation of the risk already posed by pirates.
ECSA names its first female president
The European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) has appointed its first female president. Karin Orsel stepped into the role for a two-year term on January 1, succeeding Philippos Philis on the conclusion of his term. ECSA’s new vice president is Mikki Koskinen.
https://www.marinelog.com/news/ecsa-names-its-first-female-president/
Offers Made by Isle of Man Ferry Operator to Resolve Dispute
Ferry operator, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have put forward several options to resolve an ongoing row over crew contract changes, the firm’s boss has said. Managing Director, Brian Thomson said “different” proposals had been made at discussions with the seafarers’ trade union Nautilus International and the Manx Industrial Relations Service.