ITF News Update
Crew rescued after cargo vessel runs aground on Newfoundland’s west coast
All crew members of the MSC Baltic III have been rescued after their vessel ran aground close to the Lark Harbour shoreline off Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/lark-harbour-vessel-1.7460441
ITF and Philippines strike vital agreement to protect seafarers’ mental health
Mental health and stress training upgraded for world’s biggest supplier of seafarers – as ITF expands global wellbeing programme. Filipino seafarers will now benefit from enhanced mental health and wellbeing training from Philippine maritime faculties thanks to a new partnership with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The ITF and the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), a government agency of the Philippines, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, this week.
ITF and Philippines strike vital agreement to protect seafarers’ mental health | ITF Global
Floating Prisons, Flags of Shame, and Profit Over People: The Dark Side of Global Shipping
The silent tragedy that is unfolding across the world’s oceans poses a significant threat to the maritime industry. Seafarer abandonment, once a shadowy issue confined to the periphery of global trade, has now exploded into a full-fledged crisis. With around 3,133 cases reported in 2024, nearly double from the previous year, the numbers paint a grim picture of an industry teetering on ethical collapse.
Floating Prisons, Flags of Shame, and Profit Over People: The Dark Side of Global Shipping
Crew Rescued After MSC Containership Grounds in Storm off Newfoundland
Multiple teams from Canada responded Saturday morning after an MSC containership issued a mayday call during a strong winter storm. A helicopter from the Canadian SAR team was able to rescue the 20 crewmembers despite the severe conditions. The MSC Baltic III (33,767 dwt) reported that it lost power and was unable to anchor due to the strong storm.
Crew Rescued After MSC Containership Grounds in Storm off Newfoundland
Shipping organisations increasingly concerned about seafarer safety
A number of maritime and shipping organisations are becoming increasingly concerned with issues related to seafarer safety, according to a number of discussions at the recently held Capital Link Forum.
Held every February in Athens, this shipping conferences serves as a crucial platform for global dialogue on significant maritime industry challenges. …Discussions focused on the urgent need for industry adaptation in response to changes in energy security and global economic trends, highlighting the critical role of shipping in maintaining the global supply chain continuity.
Shipping organisations increasingly concerned about seafarer safety | Cyprus Mail
Women who change the maritime workplace at the Panama Canal
Today, there are more women in shipping than ever before. We profile the diverse range of roles undertaken by women in the operations of the Panama Canal and the services connected to it. During recent international maritime conferences, there has been a lot of talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion and today, there are more women in shipping than ever before. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is an active supporter of gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender specific fellowships;
Women who change the maritime workplace at the Panama Canal
Why the IMO Must Tighten Rules On Shipping’s Carbon Emissions
The International shipping sector provides an outsized and growing contribution to the climate crisis. Slower, more efficient ships can help slash climate emissions, but this will not happen without ambitious regulation. Fortunately, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) current revision of the rules around its Carbon Intensity Indicator, a metric for measuring and regulating ships’ carbon emissions provides such an opportunity.
Why the IMO Must Tighten Rules On Shipping’s Carbon Emissions
The continuing trauma of the livestock carrier fleet as casualties persist
Residents fear pollution from abandoned livestock carrier which remains aground after 10 months. ON APRIL 16, 2024, Tanzania-flagged livestock carrier Deala (IMO: 7405091) ran aground off the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula, Croatia. As of today, February 14, 2025, it is still there. Ten months later the elderly ship, built in 1976, is still exposed to the wind and waves, and residents fear that one big storm could fatally damage the vessel, and potentially pollute an environmentally protected area and popular tourist beach. FREE TO READ
The continuing trauma of the livestock carrier fleet as casualties persist :: Lloyd’s List
Armed speedboat gang stashes cocaine on Hapag-Lloyd container ship
Ecuador’s navy recover 800 kg of the drug from the Guayaquil Express. Ecuador’s navy has seized 800 kg of cocaine found on a Hapag-Lloyd container ship. The navy reported that an armed 25-strong gang had used speedboats to approach the 11,519-teu Guayaquil Express (built 2017) while it was underway 45 nautical miles (83 km) off Manta. Narco Diario said the seizure took place under cover of darkness on Saturday as the post-panamax vessel was heading to the Panama Canal, having left the port of Posorja.
https://archive.ph/koRFs#selection-1371.0-1371.169
DMW suing manning firm of 4 abandoned seafarers
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to file a case against the manning agency responsible for four overseas Filipino worker (OFW) seafarers who were abandoned by their employer. This was confirmed by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac on Monday as he acknowledged that seafarers, particularly those in the fishing industry, were among the most vulnerable workers. The four seafarers were rescued in San Diego, California, on 14 February. According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, they were not paid and were abandoned by their employer in November.
DMW suing manning firm of 4 abandoned seafarers
LGBT+ union activism: inspiration from the past
As the UK marks LGBT+ History Month this February, researcher Dr Jo Stanley finds some encouraging historical flickers of support for gay members in 20th century maritime trade unions Today, members of every union should be able to build on stories of past achievements and heroic figures. But gender and sexual diversity among a union’s membership was not something that was valued by policy-makers until recently. That includes maritime unions, despite some evidence that they were known to have a significant proportion of gay members since the 1950s.
LGBT+ union activism: inspiration from the past
Policy Imperatives for the Mental Health of Filipino Overseas Seafarers
Even with the prevalence of mental health issues among Filipino overseas seafarers, it still continues to be a hidden struggle among them. The huge gap in addressing their mental health needs necessitates implementing a multi-stakeholder approach and putting in place proactive measures to strengthen mental health policies and programs of all duty bearers. The shipping industry is a vital force in international trading and consequently, the global economy. Manned by seafarers from various countries, the Philippines emerges as the top supplier as shown below.
Policy Imperatives for the Mental Health of Filipino Overseas Seafarers – アジア経済研究所
Sailor’s Society e-learning to help new seafarers prepare for life at sea
Global maritime charity Sailors’ Society is adding a new pre-departure module to its innovative and acclaimed MyWellness e-learning platform and app. Last year alone, almost 9,000 seafarers and cadets were prepared for life at sea through the charity’s hosted hour–long Sea Ready training, which is available via its Wellness at Sea programme – a favourite with the industry. And in March, thanks to funding from the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation (BECF), this wellbeing toolkit will also be available as part of the Society’s equally popular MyWellness e-learning.
World’s First Fully Electric Ferry Celebrates 10 Years of Success
Since going into service in 2015, the MF Ampere has now sailed an astonishing distance equivalent to 17 times around the equator on batteries alone, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable maritime transport. A decade on and the Ampere continues to showcase the transformative potential of electric technology. Many people initially doomed the project, but despite this, the vessel has successfully demonstrated a model that has now been adopted in hundreds of ferries across the globe.
World’s First Fully Electric Ferry Celebrates 10 Years of Success
ITF Maritime Officer, Ayo Ohiwereh is Dead, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Mourns
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership Of Comrade Adeyanju Adewale is in a state of deep mourning, following the passing away of Bro Ayo Ohiwereh, the African maritime officer for the Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Ohiwereh was very close to the MWUN union, especially as it concerns the Maritime Affiliate Scheme (MAS) project in Nigeria. Bro. Ayo Ohiwereh was at the forefront of the massive MAS Project in Nigeria, which helped immensely to strengthen and impact the unions collective bargaining agreement to meet with international standard.
ITF Maritime Officer, Ayo Ohiwereh is Dead, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Mourns –
Seafarers jailed for 30 years ‘guilty until proven innocent’ says ITF
Two senior crew of the bulker Phoenician-M languish in a Turkish jail sentenced to 30 years on drugs charges even after prosecutors offered little evidence connecting them to the narcotics, their High Court appeal could take up to two years to be heard. Officials from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) slammed the Turkish authorities following the conviction of two officers for drug offences last year, claiming that “maritime is the only industry where people are guilty until proven innocent”.
Seafarers jailed for 30 years ‘guilty until proven innocent’ says ITF
Pertamina Shipping Partners with ITF on Mental Health
The fleet of Indonesia’s largest company follows the Government of Indonesia in signing an agreement with the ITF. Indonesian state-owned oil company fleet, Pertamina International Shipping, is partnering with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Indonesian seafarers’ union and ITF affiliate, Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), to bring mental health training and services to its crew members. Under an agreement signed this month in Indonesia, Pertamina, the ITF and KPI agree to provide multiple trainings and emergency outreach services related to seafarers’ mental wellbeing over the next three years.
Pertamina Shipping Partners with ITF on Mental Health | ITF Global
New report reveals exploitation and abuse of workers in squid fisheries
Distant water fishing fleets registered with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) are exploiting and abusing fishers, a new report from the ITF reveals. While the SPRFMO, which oversees the management of key fisheries such as jack mackerel and jumbo squid, has made significant progress in conservation and stock management, urgent gaps remain in terms of social and labour protections.
New report reveals exploitation and abuse of workers in squid fisheries | ITF Global
Work at Sea Should Not Be a Sentence
Labor exploitation aboard high-seas fishing vessels is a problem documented by various specialists and organizations. A report by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), prepared by renowned independent researchers Sabina Goldaracena and Sergio Almada, with the support of the South Pacific Giant Squid Sustainable Management Committee CALAMASUR), clearly exposes how crew members of distant water fleets suffer undignified conditions, including grueling workdays, unpaid wages, forced labor, physical and psychological violence, with the chilling result of one death every two months.
Seafood Media Group – Worldnews – Work at Sea Should Not Be a Sentence
Lost at sea: The maritime scandal leaving 3,000 fighting for their lives
In a shocking report, Associated Press has revealed that cases of neglected workers stuck on board their ship have doubled in 2024, with their employers leaving them with no viable means to survive, and thousands of miles away from their families in vast ocean desperation. The UN’s labour and maritime organisations have found that as many as 230 ships are abandoned currently, with the real figure believed to be much higher, as workers on board becoming increasingly threatened, vulnerable, and hopeless. Something has to be done, and fast.
Lost at sea: The maritime scandal leaving 3,000 fighting for their lives | seafarertimes.com
German Police Board Freighter on Suspicions of Subsea Cable Damage
An aging freighter was stopped and boarded in Kiel after a suspected cable damage incident off Gotland last weekend, according to German authorities – and in a familiar pattern, it was missing its port-side anchor. The Antigua-flagged freighter Arne got under way from St. Petersburg on February 19, bound for Seville. She passed Gotland on the evening of February 20-21, and reduced speed by about three knots as she transited past the southeastern side of the island.
German Police Board Freighter on Suspicions of Subsea Cable Damage
Denmark among the World’s Best Performing Flag States
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published their annual Flag State Performance Table. Once again, Denmark has a positive score across all the criteria evaluated in the Table. Denmark is one of only thirteen flag states that have “green” indicators for all the criteria used in the Performance Table published annually by the ICS. The Performance Table illustrates the degree to which Flag States adhere to international maritime agreements, rules, and regulations.
Denmark among the World’s Best Performing Flag States
New Liberian register boss aims to keep owners compliant
Modern flag states should be helping shipowners to comply with international regulation rather than avoid it, according to the newly appointed head of the Liberian flag’s management company. Scott Bergeron, who is chief executive of the US-based Liberian Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), says helping owners to be on the right side of international regulation has been one of the key factors in helping the Liberian flag grow to become the world’s second-largest ship register by some distance.
ITF Launches ‘Women at Sea’ Network to Support Female Seafarers
Women make up just 2% of the global seafaring workforce, but a new initiative aims to change that. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is officially launching the Women at Sea network, a platform designed to support, empower, and connect women in the maritime industry. The official launch will take place with a webinar on March 7, 2025, at 12:00 GMT, chaired by ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith.
ITF Launches ‘Women at Sea’ Network to Support Female Seafarers | Crew Center
‘Losing hope with every day that passes’: torment of the ships’ crews abandoned at sea
When Vihaan* set off from his home in Tamil Nadu, south India, to work on a vessel crossing the Bay of Bengal into neighbouring Bangladesh, he told his family he would be gone a few months. After delivering his cargo of stone to Bangladesh’s Kutubdia Island, the marine engineer was due to head home in March 2024 to disembark at Thoothukudi port, India. But that month, the rusting tug, the Navimar 3, which was being operated by Middle East Marine (MEM), was detained by the authorities in Bangladesh due to unpaid fees.
Sailors’ Society: Key trends in seafarer recruitment
Sailors’ Society has released its latest Cadet Report, offering a global perspective on the voices of the next generation of maritime professionals. The 2024/25 Report: The next generation of maritime speaks gathers insights from cadets in 26 countries, including previously unpublished data from China. It also includes comparisons between pre-sea cadets and active seafarers, providing valuable perspectives on career expectations versus realities at sea.
Sailors’ Society: Key trends in seafarer recruitment – SAFETY4SEA
Why 2025 is such an important year for shipping decarbonisation
A quick guide to why 2025 is such an important year for shipping decarbonisation. International shipping is the lifeblood of the global economy, transporting more than 80 percent of all goods. However, the same system that the world depends on for efficient transport comes with an environmental price. Maritime trade is responsible for about three percent of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If the sector were a country, it would be the world’s sixth-largest GHG emitter.
Why 2025 is such an important year for shipping decarbonisation | Global Maritime Forum
Maritime Skills Forum: well-trained seafarers securing Europe’s future
Nautilus head of international Danny McGowan explains the Union’s international work on seafarer skills at a recent event in Brussels. On 21 January 2025, I represented Nautilus International alongside my colleague from the Netherlands branch assistant general secretary Sascha Meijer and Council member Henk Eijkenaar at the European Maritime Skills Forum (MSF) launch event in Brussels. The MSF is a joint initiative of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), supported by the European Commission.
Maritime Skills Forum: well-trained seafarers securing Europe’s future
Taiwan to increase monitoring of 52 ships using flags of convenience
Kaohsiung, Feb. 26 (CNA) Taiwan’s government indicated it will step up the monitoring of 52 ships sailing under flags of convenience after recent incidents in which submarine cables in the Taiwan Strait were damaged, Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said Wednesday. Kuan indicated that many vessels flying flags of convenience often drop anchor near Taiwan when the sea conditions are bad, resulting in damage to submarine cables.
Taiwan to increase monitoring of 52 ships using flags of convenience – Focus Taiwan
China says Taiwan ‘manipulating’ undersea cable cutting incident before facts clear
BEIJING, Feb 26 (Reuters) – China’s government said on Wednesday that Taiwan was “manipulating” possible Chinese involvement in the latest severing of an undersea communications cable, saying the island was casting aspersions before the facts were clear. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has repeatedly complained about “grey zone” Chinese activities around the island, designed to pressure it without direct confrontation, such as balloon overflights and sand dredging.
China says Taiwan ‘manipulating’ undersea cable cutting incident before facts clear | Reuters
Divers find ‘significant’ hull breaches in stranded MSC container ship
Vessel has ‘settled firmly’ on the seabed after grounding 11 days ago. An inspection of an MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co boxship that grounded off eastern Canada 11 days ago has discovered “significant breaches or holes” in its hull. The Canadian Coast Guard said its crew continue to assess the condition of the 2,478-teu MSC Baltic III (built 2003) from the shore and from the air in Cedar Cove, Newfoundland.
ICS Annual Flag State Performance Table 2024/2025 – Recognition of Guinea-Bissau’s Growing Flag Performance
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released its Annual Flag State Performance Table for 2024/2025, an authoritative industry reference assessing the adherence of flag states to international safety, environmental, and labor standards. This report serves as a key guidance tool for shipowners and operators in evaluating flag state administrations based on objective performance criteria.
No recovery for Red Sea traffic
Traffic volumes remain within ‘new normal’ range over a month since the Houthis announced a near-total stop to attacks. Security analysts say industry is being cautious — for good reason. About 100 ships have returned to or have started using the Red Sea’s international shipping lane since January 19. Uncertainty is keeping much of the industry from resuming Red Sea transits. OVER a month since the Houthis’ partial lifting of Red Sea restrictions and more than two months since the last attempted attack on shipping, the majority of shipowners and operators continue to avoid the international shipping lane passing through the Red Sea. FREE TO READ
No recovery for Red Sea traffic :: Lloyd’s List
Bulker crew save 34 seafarers from burning fishing boat
Seafarer turn firefighters in dramatic operation. A Bulgarian bulker pulled up alongside a burning fishing boat to evacuate 34 seafarers in a daring and dramatic rescue operation. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, about 500 miles (800 km) south-east of Sri Lanka, when the crew of the 55,500-dwt Eleen Armonia (built 2008) noticed thick smoke clouds rising on the horizon.
ITF: European Commission’s new ‘Omnibus’ guts sustainability package
EU Commission slashes rules designed to hold companies accountable for key human rights and environmental abuses in their supply chains. The European Commission has announced deep cuts to its environmental and human rights reporting and due diligence standards exempting thousands of businesses from complying with public reporting requirements, with potentially dire consequences for workers across the world.
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-european-commissions-new-omnibus-guts-sustainability-package
UK seafarer statistics show increase in female uncertificated officers
The UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) has released official statistics for seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry estimating that 23,700 UK seafarers were active at sea in 2024. According to the statistics, after adjusting for non-response, an estimated 23,700 UK seafarers were active at sea in 2024, a decrease of 2% compared to the 2023 figure.
https://safety4sea.com/uk-seafarers-statistics-show-increase-in-female-uncertificated-officers/
MSC withdraws megamaxes from Asia – North Europe trade
In what it describes as a “surprise move”, Alphaliner is reporting Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest containerline, has decided to shift all of its 19,200 to 24,300 teu megamax vessels, currently trading between Asia and North Europe, to the Asia – Med and Asia – West Africa trades. MSC, which from the start of this month has gone it alone on the main east-west trades, will now deploy ships with an average size of around 14,700 teu on Asia – North Europe.
MSC withdraws megamaxes from Asia – North Europe trade – Splash247