Insights from SSI CEO at YoungShip Liverpool "BattleShip: Industry v Academia" challenge

Tuesday 27 February 2024 – Shipping experts and students convened at Liverpool John Moores University for the YoungShip Liverpool “BattleShip: Industry v Academia” challenge. SSI CEO Steven Jones discussed the challenges and set the scene for the change-making power of young people to be the driving force for a brighter future. The spotlight was on sustainability, the pulse of the shipping industry, and the crucial role that the younger generation plays in shaping its future as the inseparable connection between sustainability and shipping grows ever more significant.

Steven delved into the challenges of building a sustainable future for maritime, with the ‘Roadmap to a sustainable shipping industry’ marking a journey through oceans, communities, people, transparency, finance, and energy and how these topics relate to shipping. The Roadmap serves as a foundation upon which we can build a brighter and more responsible future for shipping. The discussions looked beyond decarbonisation, into the wider issues of sustainability. For example, key issues such as freedom of navigation took precedence, and it was stressed that prosperity and peace are threatened without the ability to move freely across the oceans.

The concept of Green Corridors became a focal point, exploring the psychology behind them and making them a reality. Fundamental to this is questioning who is driving change and identifying those missing from the transformation journey – for example, most existing Green Corridor projects include only Global North. The audience also discussed whether seafarers felt brought along and considered part of the solution, or whether they were cut out of the conversation.

It was emphasised that there is no option but to change, evolve, and make improvements across shipping. While there are many first movers, and thankfully leading shipping companies have pushed themselves to the fore, there is hope for laggards in the industry.

There is no slowing down of the need to embrace sustainability, and so it is hoped that whether first or last, whether fast or slow, that change is now relentless, remorseless, and will deliver the results the planet and people need, for the peace and prosperity we want. Shipping is the connective tissue of continents, driving commerce, and underpinning modern life. It comes with an environmental cost, but the tide is turning towards sustainable practices. There remains a need for action, a desire for change, and progress. Sustainability must, therefore, stand as the better angels of shipping’s nature.


SSI Impact: News from our journey to sustainable shipping - 02/2024

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Steven Jones, CEO of SSI, stands before a podium moderating a panel during Seafarer Hospital Society event at Trinity House, London. Beside the podium there are two long tables where seven panellists are seated, facing the audience just out of view.

Seafarer Wellbeing in Focus: SSI CEO moderates panel at 'Sustainability at Sea'

Friday 16 February – The maritime industry is undergoing a crucial transformation, driven by an increasing focus on sustainability in its broadest sense. This extends far beyond environmental concerns, encompassing the wellbeing of the very people who keep our global trade afloat – seafarers. Recognising this critical aspect, the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) hosted “Sustainability at Sea: Why Seafarers’ Health Matters” at Trinity House in London.

The event convened various stakeholders, including seafarers, unions, shipping companies, and government officials, to explore key issues, including financial security, mental health, personal fulfilment, and collaboration and best practices. With a number of cadets in attendance, it was a great opportunity to explore the future of maritime employment and careers.

Among the speakers and panellists was Steven Jones, CEO of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), who moderated a thought-provoking panel looking at seafarers and their health, wealth, and happiness. The discussions were lively and informative, and there was a general consensus that more needs to be done to support the well-being of seafarers.

The panel consisted of:

  • Caroll Elliott & Marc Evans (SeaFit)
  • Evangelia Maragou (Shout)
  • Shaunna Carden (TogetherAll)
  • Ceri Summers (FairWinds)
  • Teresa Walshe & Michael Edwards (SAIL)

Beyond Medical Check-Ups: A Multifaceted Approach

While physical health remains paramount, the panel broadened the conversation to encompass financial security, mental wellbeing, and personal fulfilment. These interconnected elements play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience of seafarers, impacting their long-term commitment to the industry and contributing to a more sustainable maritime future.

Jones opened by recognising the need for a wide-angle approach to wellbeing, stating, “Seafarers are the backbone of our industry, and ensuring their holistic wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it’s also essential for a sustainable future. It is vital to explore practical solutions and pave the way for positive change.”

Steven Jones, CEO of SSI, stands in front of a podium at Seafarer Hospital Event delivering his opening remarks

The event focused on the resilience of seafarers, their mental health, and the seemingly constant growing demand for ever greater endurance. However, as demands grow, so too does the likelihood of failing mental health. People can only be resilient up to a point, and as panel after panel reminded us, seafarers are human! They need the same considerations and support as those ashore, just because crews perform amazing feats of endurance does not mean we can constantly ask for more, more, more. There is a limit.

A Call to Action for Positive Change

The Sustainability and Seafarers discussion serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness and sparking vital conversations about seafarer wellbeing. By bringing together key players from the industry we can foster collaboration and pave the way for actionable solutions.

SSI, committed to a sustainable maritime industry, strongly supports this view, and such efforts align well with our work with IHRB and Rafto Foundation on the Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct.

We believe that prioritising seafarer well-being is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic investment in the future of our industry.

Steven Jones, CEO of SSI, stands before a podium moderating a panel during Seafarer Hospital Society event at Trinity House, London. Beside the podium there are two long tables where seven panellists are seated, facing the audience just out of view.

Join the conversation

The “Sustainability at Sea” event presents a unique opportunity to engage with pressing issues surrounding seafarer wellbeing. We encourage all industry stakeholders to participate in this important conversation and contribute to positive change for the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for the maritime industry, where the well-being of seafarers is at the core of our success.

 

All images taken by the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS). 


China Stock Exchange Requires Mandatory Sustainability Reporting Requirements

Progress against milestone 4.2030.5

Sustainability performance data is audited, validated and made publicly available.

February 14, 2024

Three of China’s major stock markets, the Shaghai Stock Exchange (SSE), Shenzen Stock Exchange (SZSE), and Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) have published sustainability reporting guidelines for listed companies.

As part of this, mandatory disclosure on a broad range of ESG topics will be required in 2026.

Source: ESG today 


On a grey background Dark blue text: Roadmap progress Green text: Vision area 6: Energy Icon: Shows different energy sources

Maersk aligns climate goals with SBTi Net-Zero Standard

Progress against milestone 6.2030.1

Reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping to reduce GHG emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 2008

February 12, 2024

A.P. Moller-Maersk has its plans to achieve net zero by 2040 verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Maersk is aiming for a 96% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040, against a 2022 baseline, and to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 90%.


Maersk aligns climate goals with SBTi Net-Zero Standard

Progress against milestone 4.2030.5

Sustainability performance data is audited, validated and made publicly available.

February 12, 2024

A.P. Moller-Maersk has its plans to achieve net zero by 2040 verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Maersk is aiming for a 96% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040, against a 2022 baseline, and to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 90%.


On a grey background Dark blue text: Roadmap progress Green text: Vision area 6: Energy Icon: Shows different energy sources

EU introduces new 2040 climate target

Progress against milestone 6.2030.2

Mid- and long-term measures implemented and national regulation incentivising and ensuring the uptake of zero (or low) carbon fuels and technologies in place.

February 7, 2024

The European Commission has recommended reducing the European Union’s net GHG emissions by 90% by 2040, relative to 1990. The 2030 climate target is to reduce net GHG emissions by at least 55% relative to 1990.

As part of this, the EU will give aviation and maritime priority access to alternative low- and zero-emissions fuels.


SSI Impact: News from our journey to sustainable shipping - 01/2024

The SSI Newsletter is the place to find news from the SSI community, our partners and the impact of our collective work along our journey to a sustainable shipping industry.

Subscribe to SSI Impact: News from our journey to sustainable shipping


Delivering on seafarers' rights 2022 Progress Report

Delivering on seafarers' rights - 2023 progress report

The Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights 2023 Progress Report, published by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), is a comprehensive review of the challenges facing seafarers, the shipping industry’s efforts to address challenges, and recommendations for 2024.

The report covers topics including: attracting people to a seafaring career, illegal recruitment fees, corporate action on improving seafarer welfare, as well as an update on data from the RightShip Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool.

The report shares insights from various organisations and stakeholder groups on the issues facing seafarers, as outlined in the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, and brings together contributions from the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Nautilus International, Oldendorff Carriers, Rio Tinto, RightShip, and Turtle.


Wellbeing of seafarers needs to be a priority to safeguard the future of the profession, according to new report

LONDON, 31 January 2024 – Issues such as illegal recruitment fees are negatively impacting the lives and wellbeing of seafarers and jeopardising the profession’s future, according to the latest annual progress report on seafarers’ rights.

The Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Annual Progress Report, published by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), is a comprehensive review of the challenges facing seafarers, the shipping industry’s efforts to address challenges, and recommendations for 2024.

The report covers topics including: attracting people to a seafaring career, illegal recruitment fees, corporate action on improving seafarer welfare, as well as an update on data from the RightShip Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool.

These issues significantly impact the lives and wellbeing of seafarers worldwide, making it even harder to attract the talent the industry needs to pursue careers at sea. The impact of welfare on recruitment and retention is a huge concern for shipping’s wider viability and sustainability. The prevalence of illegal recruitment fees poses a severe threat, exploiting seafarers, their families and communities, and undermining their rights.

The report shares insights from various organisations and stakeholder groups on the issues facing seafarers, as outlined in the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, and brings together contributions from the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Nautilus International, Oldendorff Carriers, Rio Tinto, RightShip, and Turtle.

For all the negatives, there has been progress. Leading shipping companies and charterers are working on a range of initiatives to enhance seafarer welfare, to improve standards and diversity on their ships and within their supply chains. Such efforts play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and conducive environment for those working at sea, acknowledging their fundamental rights and basic needs.

Furthermore, a recorded increase in companies using the RightShip Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool signals a commitment to monitoring and improving industry standards, emphasising the importance of continuously evaluating and advancing the conditions and treatment of seafarers aboard vessels.

The report can be downloaded here: https://www.sustainableshipping.org/resources/delivering-on-seafarers-rights-2023-progress-report/

Steven Jones, CEO of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, said: “This second Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Annual Progress Report is vital reading for all in the industry. There is progress we can learn from, such as the ideas, innovation, and energy of companies who are investing and making sure their people and social needs are to the fore. However, it is clear that there is so much more to be done. We need to take these lessons and ensure they are not simply the domain of the good companies, we need to make sure there is no place for the bad to operate.”

Frances House, Special Advisor at IHRB, said: “We know the Maritime Labour Convention isn’t enough to prevent seafarers’ rights being undermined. Charterers and container cargo owners should encourage their shipping suppliers to comply with the Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct and use the self-assessment tool to improve their performance. This report is a positive sign that uptake of the Code of Conduct is increasing, but verification and transparency around compliance are the critical goals now.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

For more information, interviews or comment please contact Elizabeth Petit, Sustainable Shipping Initiative (e.petit@sustainableshipping.org) or Sam Simmons, IHRB (sam.simmons@ihrb.org).

About the Sustainable Shipping Initiative

The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) is a member-led group of leaders catalysing change across the maritime ecosystem. Since 2010, SSI has brought together shipowners, operators and managers; cargo owners; classification societies; non-profits; and service providers to advance environmental, social and economic goals for a sustainable shipping industry.

www.sustainableshipping.org

About the Institute for Human Rights and Business

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is an international think-and-do tank with the mission to shape policy, advance practice, and strengthen accountability in order to make respect for human rights part of everyday business. IHRB works in various areas including Commodities, the Built Environment, Migrant Workers, Just Transition, and Oceans. IHRB’s Ocean and Human Rights Platform works specifically on shipping, ports and shipyards, aquaculture and fishing. The Ocean Platform focuses on the impacts of business activities on livelihoods and working conditions.

www.ihrb.org

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