Page 22 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

SHIPOWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS

In addition, shipping companies will develop we can then look to address any other issues.
training strategies depending on the choice of Finally, we cannot ignore 50% of the population
future energy sources. The Round Table com- – we need to increase the number of women at
monly accepts all these aspects. sea.
â In recent years, seafarers have faced ã Members of the international ship-
significant challenges, one of which is ping community have criticised the
that despite their unwavering efforts, metrics and implementation of the
their role has not been adequately CII. What is your opinion? Do you
recognised by governments world- think the CII will create a two-tier
wide. With this in mind, do you think market? What feedback have you
young people will be reluctant to join received from charterers so far?
the maritime profession, increasing Efforts were made to convince governments at
the global shortage of seafarers? the IMO that the CII rating concept would be
Retention has been an issue for the industry inadequate for shipping. In any case, the CII
post-pandemic, but if you look after your crew regulation is now in place and work to minimise
and are loyal to them, they will, in turn, reward its challenges continues. I do not see a risk for
you with their loyalty. a two-tier market because every ship faces the
In the future, we must ensure we offer young same rating challenges.
seafarers a life that is fit for the role we need The CII rating does not consider that the same
them to fulfil but also meets their expectations. ship operated by the same company under differ-
So, we must treat them well, respect their capa- ent trade conditions would get different ratings
bilities, pay them attractive salaries, and give that may not reflect its real inbuilt and operating
them access to things expected in their home efficiencies. Therefore, INTERTANKO has been
life. The internet, for example, can no longer be urging regulators to move away from rating the
considered a luxury but a necessity for everyone. ship’s “carbon intensity” and towards targeting
Then, we need to offer them careers, not just the reduction of net GHG emissions.
5-month employment periods. To understand Moreover, in addition to the CII as a short-term
what makes a career at sea attractive, we are measure, the shipping industry also needs gov-
asking seafarers their opinion in a wide-rang- ernments to scale up the availability of renew-
ing questionnaire. Once we have those findings, able energy to produce alternative fuels on a

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