The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has issued an urgent call to address the risks posed by “shadow fleets,” which are ships with obscure ownership structures that evade international standards, undermining safety, environmental, and labour protections in the maritime industry. Operating with minimal regulatory oversight, these fleets often exploit “flags of convenience,” allowing vessels to frequently change registries, evade sanctions, and operate without adhering to essential protocols, creating unsafe and unfair conditions for seafarers.
Background: Increased Risks and Regulatory Gaps
The rise in shadow fleets is linked to sanctions on nations such as Russia, with vessels circumventing restrictions by operating under flags from lenient jurisdictions. This strategy allows them to avoid detection, skip essential inspections, and proceed without adequate insurance or safety maintenance, thereby exposing seafarers to unsafe conditions and increasing environmental hazards. These risks are further heightened through ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in areas like the Aegean Sea and near Malta and Sicily, where poor weather and international waters add to the danger of these transactions.
ETF’s Recommendations for Addressing Shadow Fleets
The ETF urges a coordinated international response from bodies like the EU and the IMO to address these issues by enforcing tighter regulations and oversight. Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced Tracking and Accountability: Ensure flag states are responsible for their registered vessels through stricter tracking and transparency protocols.
- Strengthened Port State Control: Increase inspections to verify that all vessels in European waters are compliant with safety, insurance, and worker protection standards.
- Support for Seafarers’ Rights: Enforce IMO and ILO guidelines to shield seafarers from criminal repercussions in incidents involving shadow fleets, upholding fair treatment standards.
Livia Spera, ETF’s General Secretary, highlighted the urgent need for these actions, emphasizing that without coordinated measures, shadow fleets will continue to jeopardize seafarer safety, environmental protection, and regional security.
ETF’s Commitment to Seafarers and Sustainable Practices
The ETF remains dedicated to advocating for seafarers’ rights, pushing for sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the ETF aims to build a maritime industry that prioritizes worker safety, environmental integrity, and legal compliance, creating a more responsible future for global shipping and the communities it impacts.
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Source: European Transport Workers’ Federation
