The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has called for urgent action to combat the rise of shadow fleets, that operate outside international norms.
The ETF on its statement condemns the use of shadow fleets and calls on the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a coordinated European and International response.
Moreover, ETF pushes the EU and IMO to take measures and implement more stringent controls to ensure that vessels comply with safety, labour, and environmental standards.
According to the statement, these fleets, comprising vessels with obscure ownership and frequently shifting registries, expose serious flaws in international shipping practices by allowing companies to bypass regulatory oversight, evade sanctions, and neglect seafarers’ rights.
Seafarers should not be unwittingly involved in illegal activities, nor should they be subjected to dangerous work conditions that put their lives at risk.
…said Livia Spera, General Secretary, ETF.
Livia Spera continued by stating that without a coordinated response from flag states, port authorities, and regulatory bodies, these shadow operations will continue to threaten the safety of our waters and our workers.
The ETF highlights the need for measures including:
- Enhanced tracking and transparency requirements, holding flag states accountable for the vessels they register.
- Stronger Port State Control inspections to ensure vessels in European waters have valid insurance, adhere to safety regulations and maintain worker protections.
- Support for IMO and ILO guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers to protect workers from criminalization in case of an incident or accident involving shadow fleet vessels.
The ETF urges stakeholders across the maritime sector to cooperate and ensure a safe, fair, and environmentally responsible future for seafarers and the communities affected by maritime transport.
