Page 33 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

The Chairman of INTERCARGO discusses the initiatives Round Table will undertake to
attract more young people to the seafaring profession and the impact of the CII on dry
bulk shipping. He also shares his thoughts on the outlook of the bulk carriers’ freight
market and the progress of shipping ESG-related issues.

SHIPPING COMPANIES

ARE QUICKLY ADAPTING

TO ESG REQUIREMENTS

An open discussion Ö Seafarers have faced significant Seafarer recruitment is usually dealt with by
with Dimitris Fafalios, challenges in recent years. How can shipowners’ associations and governments.
Chairman of INTERCARGO
INTERCARGO capitalise on the les- The RT organisation, comprised of the world's
sons learned from the pandemic in major shipowners' associations, is acutely aware
its efforts to improve the welfare of of the seafarer shortage issue and finds that the
seafarers? most effective method to address it is to support
The pandemic has brought closer collaboration the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) ini-
with the ILO and the ITF. This was predominantly tiatives.
achieved by the ICS and supported by the Round The ICS is working closely with the Maritime
Table of International Shipping Associations (RT) Just Transition Taskforce established by labour
members, including INTERCARGO. organisations to ensure seafarers are adequately
Before the pandemic, shipowners’ organisations trained on the new technologies and fuels nec-
and RT members were principally able to com- essary for the world fleet’s decarbonisation. The
municate mainly with governments at the Min- safety of seafarers and ships when consuming
istry of Transport or Ministry of Shipping level. alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol,
However, the pandemic has shown us that we hydrogen, and biofuels cannot be emphasised
needed to liaise at the Ministry of Health level or enough. It is noteworthy that the RT organisa-
higher, even reaching the prime-ministerial level, tions supported the Neptune declaration.
to resolve the crew change and crew health
issues suffered during the COVID pandemic. â How will dry bulk shipping be affected
The pandemic has highlighted the need to by the implementation of CII, given
address mental health issues amongst seafar- that it seems to favour longer-haul
ers, which the RT members are also investigating. voyages and less time spent at port?
Will the smaller bulk carriers, such as
á What initiatives will the Round Table Handysizes and Handymaxes, which
undertake to attract more young represent approx. 62% of the bulk
people to the seafaring profession? carrier fleet face greater challenges?
The RT recognises the challenges in attracting CII measurements will be grouped together
more young people to the sea, which existed at IMO during the experience-building phase,
before the pandemic and continue to exist. which will last until 2026.

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