Seafarers receive some spotlight at COP26

Seafarers not overlooked for enhancing decarbonisation efforts

At the COP26 Summit, the Global Maritime Forum and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have signed an agreement to work together in problem solving, and identifying concrete actions to speed up decarbonisation in the maritime sector.

Seafarers’ role in curbing emissions
The agreement laid out the significance of collaboration between workers and leadership (corporate and investor) for optimum effectiveness. Though it is focused on decarbonisation and related transition, it serves as a collaboration basis for future issues. The ITF will be inviting affiliates to sign up for the Global Maritime Forum’s Call to Action. This latter appeals to governments to work together with the maritime industry to deliver the policies and investments needed, to reach critical tipping points in decarbonising global supply chains and economies.

The Global Maritime Forum comprises high level leaders from the maritime industry, which aims to shape the future of shipping, as well as increasing sustainable long-term economic development and crew well-being. The ITF is a global federation with more than 300 maritime union affiliates from 130 countries.

Stephen Cotton, ITF’s General Secretary asserted, “To reach net zero (emissions) by 2050, the shipping industry must pull its weight. This agreement demonstrates leadership and movement from the employers, workers and their unions to do what is required to achieve the goal. Concrete measures are needed to ensure that workers’ voices, expertise and ambitions are at the centre of decision-making. The Global Maritime Forum understands that involving workers from the outset is crucial to curb emissions.”

Johannah Christensen, CEO at the Global Maritime Forum agreed: “We are excited about this agreement for our industry’s ability to step up to the task of decarbonising by 2050. We recognise its strength in pooling the ideas, energy and investments on the climate crisis.”

She added, “We welcome the launch of the ITF’s principles for a just transition. There is so much common ground: training, maintaining health and safety concerning new fuels, and ensuring good working conditions for seafarers in their roles within global supply chains. When it comes to moving shipping to zero carbon emission, the Global Maritime Forum will be leading this transition – right alongside our workforce and representatives from the ITF.”