Page 9 - 2024 - Q4 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS

IMO makes The International Maritime Organisation further areas of convergence in their posi-
(IMO) has achieved key progress in ne-
tions. They produced a draft legal text to
progress gotiations towards a set of binding global use as a basis for ongoing talks around the
regulations on the IMO net-zero frame-
proposed “mid-term measures” for GHG
on net-zero work, aimed at achieving the greenhouse reduction, which are expected to be
gas (GHG) reduction objectives set out in
adopted in 2025.
framework the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of These proposed “mid-term GHG reduction
GHG Emissions from Ships.
measures”, which build on previously
for shipping At the conclusion of the 82nd session of the adopted “short-term measures”, include
a goal-based marine fuel standard that
IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Com-
mittee held from 30 September to 4 Oc- will phase in the mandatory use of fuels
#GHG tober 2024, Member States had identified with less GHG intensity and a global mar-
itime GHG emissions pricing mechanism.
They are aimed at driving the international
shipping industry’s transition to achieve
net-zero GHG emissions by or around, i.e.
close to 2050.
A period of negotiations lies ahead be-
tween now and the next MEPC meeting,
to resolve areas of divergence, and further
refine the draft text before approval at
MEPC 83 in April 2025 and adoption in
Autumn 2025.

Source: IMO

New report According to a new report published by 2. Improved contracts to avoid the
the Diversity@Sea pilot– a Global Maritime
pressure seafarers feel to work
urges action Forum initiative, the global shipping industry excessive hours and/or spend too
long away from home.
must take steps to improve working condi-
to protect tions across seven key areas and urgently 3. Enhanced internet and social
improve seafarer wellbeing, make life at sea
connectivity to help seafarers main-
workforce safe and inclusive, and future-proof against tain contact with friends and family,
access news, and pursue online edu-
the changing needs of the maritime labour
wellbeing market to attract future generations of sea- cation, without which seafarers report
farers.
feeling frustrated, isolated, and lonely.
The findings identify areas such as ad- 4. Guaranteed helpline access to help
#SeafarerWellbeing dressing abuse and harassment, enhancing seafarers who often work in isolated
work-life balance, and upgrading onboard and stressful environments to access
facilities as critical to the future of the in- vital anonymous and confidential ad-
dustry and protecting the future of global vice that can prevent mental health
trade. The conclusions are the culmination challenges, conflicts, and incidents
of a 10-month global collaboration involv- of abuse or harassment.
ing 400 seafarers and 12 major first-mover 5. Parental support to ensure that
shipping companies to generate more than being pregnant or having family
50,000 data points. responsibilities at home does not
The report’s findings have identified seven prevent seafarers from working or
critical areas for meaningful change across making a living at sea.
the industry: 6. Inclusive personal protective
1. Zero tolerance for abuse and equipment to ensure PPE provi-
harassment: Feeling safe from sions adequately address the need
abuse and/or sexual harassment for diverse sizing and limit safety
and feeling physically and mentally risks for all.
safe were among the top six drivers 7. Transparent training and apprais-
for satisfaction in the preliminary al systems to promote fairness and
findings, which shows the power equality and improved career pro-
of having a clearly stated zero-tol- gression at sea.
erance policy towards abuse and
harassment. Source: Global Maritime Forum

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