Seafarers in shipping’s decarbonization: role transformation, protection deficits, and just transition pathways

Seafarers will play a key role in shipping's decarbonization as the industry shifts towards cleaner fuels and technologies. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will require seafarers to adapt to new ship designs and operational procedures.

The transformation of seafarers' roles will be driven by the need for specialized skills to operate and maintain new technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion and hydrogen fuel cells. This may lead to protection deficits for seafarers who are not provided with the necessary training and support to transition to these new roles.

Just transition pathways will be essential to ensure that seafarers are protected and supported throughout this transition. This will require collaboration between shipowners, governments, and seafarer unions to develop training programs and social protections that address the needs of seafarers. The IMO and other regulatory bodies will also need to play a role in developing standards and guidelines for the training and certification of seafarers in decarbonization technologies.

The impact of decarbonization on seafarers will vary depending on the type of ship and trade route. For example, seafarers working on container ships may need to adapt to new cargo handling procedures, while those working on tankers may need to learn about new fuel types and handling procedures.

This matters to the industry because the successful transition to a low-carbon future depends on the ability of seafarers to adapt to new technologies and operational procedures.