ITF News Update
‘Marrakech Policy’ sets bar for ITF to improve conditions for maritime workers
The ITF’s campaign on Flags of Convenience takes major step forward with new standard for international seafarers’ rights and working conditions. The ‘Marrakech Policy’, adopted today at the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Joint Seafarers’ and Dockers’ Conference, now forms the governing framework for the global union’s campaigning work on Flags of Convenience (FOC).
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/marrakech-policy-sets-bar-itf-improve-conditions-maritime-workers
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/resources/marrakech-policy
A third of seafarers suffer from seasickness
Nautilus International’s concerns about the scale of seasickness suffered by seafarers has been backed by new research which shows that the problem affects more than one-third of crew members. The study, carried out by health and safety experts from six French institutions, warns that seasickness – also known as motion sickness or naupathy – continues to be something of a taboo topic among seafarers despite the significant personal and professional consequences that it presents.
https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/a-third-of-seafarers-suffer-from-seasickness/
Choosing the Right Flag
There’s something for everyone in the flag state business. The global supply chain is dependent on an efficient maritime transportation system, and flag states are the catalyst for ensuring the integrity of this system. Their role is complex and multi-layered. Registries simultaneously serve as regulatory enforcers and shipowner advocates while also competing against each other to attract business.
https://maritime-executive.com/magazine/choosing-the-right-flag
Navigating the Next Storm: How Maritime Could Respond to the Next Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how vulnerable the global maritime industry can be in the face of a contagious outbreak. Seafarers were stranded, ports closed, and crew changeovers ground to a halt, highlighting the need for a more robust and comprehensive response plan for any future pandemics.
Dirtiest cruise ships investigation finds beer tap sludge and maggot infestations on board
The filthiest cruise ships sailing around the United States have been revealed, with live maggots, a dead bird, and “thick brown residue” around a beer tap making up some of the worst issues. Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration cruise ship has been named by the Centres for Control, Disease and Prevention (CDC) as the current dirtiest cruise ship.
Fair winds to a fair transition: the shipping sector must chart a new course
In April 2025, International Maritime Organization member states must come to a collective decision on technical and economic measures at the U.N. agency’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. The adoption of these measures will define the shipping industry’s trajectory toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and away from fossil fuels by 2050.
GLOBAL: 59% of seafarers willing to sail on ammonia-fuelled vessels, MMMCZCS survey finds
A survey of 2,000 maritime workers led by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) has found that more than half of seafarers and ashore personnel would be willing to work with ammonia, but highlighted that acceptance of ammonia as a marine fuel is conditional on comprehensive training and certification.
https://www.bunkerspot.com/global/63394-mmmczcs-survey-seafarers-ammonia-safety
King Abdulaziz University opens admission to maritime specializations for women for the first time
This is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to qualify Saudi women to practice new professions and expand the scope of studies and research in this field. JEDDAH — King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Faculty of Maritime Studies, opened admission to female students for the first time in maritime specializations. The university has established an agency for female student affairs at the faculty.
Unique mission agency offers hope of the gospel to seafarers struggling with loneliness, alienation and tough working conditions
Loneliness is the greatest challenge for the seafaring men who work hard on ships in bitter sub-zero temperatures within the Arctic Circle, says the head of Somandsmissionen (Seafarers Mission) based in Denmark and Greenland, the only known evangelistic ministry supporting people working at sea.
Global Shipping in Crisis: How Vulnerable Maritime Chokepoints Threaten the Global Economy
Vulnerability of supply chains exposed as global maritime chokepoints come under pressure, UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2024 report reveals. As global trade rebounds from pandemic-induced slowdowns, the maritime industry now faces new threats that put food security, energy supplies, and the global economy at increasing risk.
https://gcaptain.com/key-insights-from-unctads-2024-review-of-maritime-transport/
The crew conundrum
‘Where have all the seafarers gone?’ is a familiar lament heard in the crewing departments of ship management companies all around the world. The Baltic and International Marine Council (BIMCO), the world’s largest shipping trade organisation estimates there are around 1.8 million seafarers currently active globally across 74,000 vessels.
https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/10/23/the-crew-conundrum/
Paddy Crumlin reelected ITF President at 2024 ITF Congress in Marrakech
Media Release: For the first time in the ITF’s history, the Global Congress was held in the Arab World region, bringing together thousands of transport workers and trade union leaders, the 46th Congress was held in Marrakech, Morocco, during October 2024. The conference re-elected MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin as ITF President and as Chair of the Dockers Section, roles he has held for over 14 years.
https://www.mua.org.au/news/paddy-crumlin-reelected-itf-president-2024-itf-congress-marrakech
Pinoy seafarers held by Houthis all home
The final group of Filipino seafarers from the bulk carrier MV Minoan Courage that was hijacked by Houthi rebels arrived in the Philippines in the afternoon of 23 October. The 10 Filipino seafarers were part of the 21 member crew aboard the Minoan Courage when it came under attack on 1 October while navigating the Red Sea. The earlier groups of repatriated seafarers returned home on 9 and 13 October.
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/10/24/pinoy-seafarers-held-by-houthis-all-home