ITF News Update
Seafarers reach wage deal, union strike suspended
Ferry passengers should expect ticket prices to rise as of 2025, following the agreement regarding the increase in seafarers’ wages by 7% over the next two years. This agreement led to the suspension of the strike by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) on Thursday afternoon. Another reason for the expected fare hike is the large fuel surcharges due to a change in the European regulatory framework for emissions.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1251893/seafarers-have-it-their-way/
Safety of women at work is the top priority
ANN HENDERSON, of RMT Scotland, reports from STUC women’s conference in Glasgow earlier this week where sisters gathered to highlight the issues facing women in the workforce. …Female seafarers are twice as likely to experience aggression and harassment as male seafarers. Women’s conference agreed to support the national and international trade union initiatives to organise women seafarers, and to improve safety for women working in the maritime sector.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/safety-women-work-top-priority
Commonwealth leaders say sinking nations should keep their maritime boundaries
(Reuters) – In a boost for Pacific Islands such as Tuvalu under threat from rising seas, Commonwealth nations agreed on Saturday that a nation’s maritime boundaries should remain fixed even if climate change causes small island states to be submerged. The 56 countries with roots in Britain’s empire issued the Commonwealth’s first Ocean Declaration at the end of a summit of the group in Samoa.
Seafarers Happiness Index Q3 2024: Red Sea diversions and crew welfare
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, based on data collected in Quarter 3 of 2024, reveals a slight increase in the overall index score to 7.16 out of 10, up from 6.99 in the previous quarter, indicating a gentle upward trend in seafarer happiness.
Seafarers Happiness Index Q3 2024
Red Sea diversions alleviating onboard strain, latest Seafarer Happiness Index report shows
The added time has unexpectedly provided seafarers with opportunities for rest, routine establishment, and social activities. The Mission to Seafarers today (28 October 2024) published its latest Seafarer Happiness Index report, which reveals a steady increase in satisfaction in several areas of seafaring life to 7.16 in Q3 2024, marginally up from 6.99 in Q2 of this year, partly due to increased downtime that is attributed to Red Sea diversions.
Seafarer Stress Reduced and Satisfaction Rises Due to Red Sea Diversions
ABS honors contributions and achievements of women in maritime in the Arabian Gulf
ABS celebrated the achievements of women in the Middle East and global maritime with an event titled Empowering Diversity: Women Leading the Way in Middle Eastern Maritime. More than 120 representatives from the region’s maritime industries saw a panel discussion among executives from Hapag-Lloyd Middle East, Drydocks World, Bahri Ship Management and Adani Ports & Harbour Services International.
Ports given guidelines to tackle modern slavery and smuggling
One NGO has estimated there could be as many as 100,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK. Ports should confirm their targeting model and map their supply chain to identify potential modern slavery cases, the report said. They should also create a culture in which staff feel they can raise something that doesn’t look right. FREE TO READ
Ports given guidelines to tackle modern slavery and smuggling :: Lloyd’s List
Tugboat racing against typhoon after Chinese cargo ship abandoned by crew off Taiwan’s north coast
A Chinese cargo ship was abandoned by its crew less than one kilometer from the coast of northern Taiwan last night, and has been left at anchor as a typhoon approaches the island today, October 30. The platform cargo ship Yuzhou Qihang left Keelung Harbor at around 8:00 am yesterday, in an attempt to cross the Taiwan Strait ahead of the approaching Typhoon Kong-rey.
Japan ‘faces important decisions’ regarding cabotage rules and offshore wind
Japan is investing heavily in offshore wind, but without reforms, vessel capacity is likely to be an issue. … The Ships Act is the primary legislation governing maritime cabotage and part of the wider framework addressing navigation, safety, security, environmental protection and more. The Mariners Act and Act on Ship’s Officers and Boats’ Operators apply to the staffing of Japan-flagged vessels and require mariners, with exceptions, to have Japanese nationality.
Study maps owners of world’s high-seas ships often tied to illegal fishing
For decades, the owners of refrigerated container ships, or reefers, often associated with illegal fishing, have remained in the shadows. Now, a new study has traced 324 companies as the owners of 569 reefer vessels active between 2017 and 2022, identifying the people and countries behind these ships for the first time.
Study maps owners of world’s high-seas ships often tied to illegal fishing – Conservation news
Video: Chinese Heavy Lift Carrying Cranes Abandoned in Typhoon off Taiwan
Taiwanese officials are reporting they were successfully able to evacuate the crew from a heavy lift vessel that was in danger as a strong typhoon approaches the island. It is the latest in a series of mishaps for the vessel which was also involved in an incident at Keelung Port earlier in the month.
Video: Chinese Heavy Lift Carrying Cranes Abandoned in Typhoon off Taiwan
Seafarers still face significant challenges in spite of slight uptick in global happiness
A slight rise in global seafarer happiness is indicated in the third quarter report of The Seafarers Happiness Index, but significant challenges remain around shore leave, wages, feelings of isolation and the continued inequality of internet connectivity.
Seafarers still face significant challenges in spite of slight uptick in global happiness
Why SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC are critical to shipping
International shipping has had its fair share of disaster, with many lives getting lost to either man-made or nature induced disasters. In this report, TOLA ADENUBI takes a look at the four pillars guiding international shipping and why they came to be.
Why SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC are critical to shipping – Tribune Online
Cybersecuring the seas
In May 2023, three Canadian ports were hacked by cyber criminals — on the same day. What’s more, more than 90 per cent of global trade is conducted by ships and port management systems, both of which are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.