Join experts examining contemporary issues in seafaring including labour relations, workforce welfare, port partnerships, and impacts of AI.

Events such as the blockage of the Suez Canal by the Ever Given in 2021 and the ongoing disruption to global shipping caused by conflict in the Gulf region occasionally draw public attention to society's dependence on maritime transport. Responsible for carrying more than 80% of global trade, seafarers are among the most vital contributors to the international supply chain. As the maritime sector undergoes rapid transformation—driven by increasing digitalisation, a shift towards more shore-based vessel operations, declining crew sizes, and geopolitical instability—there is a growing need to better understand the working and living conditions of maritime workers and how these developments are affecting them.

This seminar shines a spotlight on seafarers' welfare and working conditions. Bringing together an international group of scholars, the event will provide a historical overview of welfare provision in the maritime sector, examine the role of trade unions and international conventions in protecting seafarers, and explore how technological developments are shaping the future maritime workforce. The presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session and a roundtable discussion.

The seminar is organised by Laura William (University of Greenwich, UK) and Birgit Pauksztat (Nordland Research Institute, Norway) as part of the CREW/DIG Seminar Series at the University of Greenwich, in collaboration with Working Group 1, Maritime Occupations, of the COST Action CA22122 – Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Opportunities (RethinkBlue).

The event is supported by the CREW and DIG research groups at the University of Greenwich and by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.

Programme

15:30: Welcome

Chair: Laura William (University of Greenwich, UK

15:35: Who is responsible for seafarers’ welfare? A historic perspective on the support of government, industry, labour and voluntary associations - Jason Zuidema (International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), Canada)

15:55: Maritime trade unions and the Maritime and Labour Convention - Helen Devereux (Southampton Solent University, UK) & Cagatay Edgucan Sahin (Ordu University, Turkey)

16:15: Enabling social partnership through knowledge exchange in the Port of Lagos – Graham Symon (University of Greenwich, UK)

16:35: Break

16:50: Occupational Identity and the impact of the P&O Ferries Mass Dismissal in 2022 -Jonathan Lord (University of Salford)

17:10: AI, MET and the quest for future work force - Gesa Praetorius (Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI), Sweden & Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway) and Amit Sharma (TalTECH, Estonia)

17:30: Roundtable discussion, chaired by Khanssa Lagdami (World Maritime University, Sweden)

17:55: Closing

*Preliminary programme, may be subject to change.

Location

Room 063, Queen Anne Building, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS

Contact

Laura William, email: l.c.william@greenwich.ac.uk

Organizers and acknowledgements

The seminar is organized by Laura William (University of Greenwich, UK) and Birgit Pauksztat (Nordland Research Institute, Norway) as part of the CREW/DIG Seminar Series at the University of Greenwich in collaboration with Working Group 1 “Maritime Occupations” of the COST Action CA22122 Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Opportunities (RethinkBlue).

The event is supported by the CREW/DIG research groups at the University of Greenwich and by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.

Description supplied by the event organiser.