"Russian seafarers drive European shipping"

The issues of  Russian seafarers' work on vessels owned by European companies have been discussed at the recent meeting of the ETF Maritime Transport Section. 

A number of topical issues have been discussed at this event of the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF), where representatives of maritime trade unions usually develop a common stand in accordance to which they later speak in one voice in negotiations with employers. These issues include efforts to attract young people to the industry, creation of fair employment opportunities for women in maritime commercial fleet and a number of topics directly related to Russian seafarers  - visa issues, problems with receiving salaries in foreign currency and the extension of  qualifications documents.

The representatives of the largest German trade union Ver.di have noted that 4000 Russian seafarers work on the ships of German companies. They are highly qualified officers with vast experience and excellent professional skills and effectively drive the European shipping industry. If they become victims of political games, then shipowners will face a catastrophe.

Within the framework of the  ETF Maritime Transport Section meeting the SUR representatives initiated an online conference for young people on the eve of the Seafarer's Day on June 25, dedicated to operation of vessels using alternative fuels. According to international non-profit organizations, between 20% and 70% of merchant ships will use  biofuels, ammonia or hydrogen by 2050, depending on the pace of the industry's transition to clean fuels. Therefore, the topic is especially relevant for young seafarers who will have to undergo additional training for  work on “vessels of future”. By the way, this issue is being actively discussed by a specially created IMO working group. “The STCW Convention and Code will be comprehensively reviewed, including in the context of the use of alternative fuels in shipping industry,” - the IMO confirmed. “Originally the work was focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG), but now guidelines are being developed for other fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.”

In conclusion, the meeting participants reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive social partnership to pursue better working conditions for seafarers. Ultimately, it is a sound  dialogue between workers and employers that is of paramount importance for the creation of safe and decent jobs.