The Human Side of Decarbonisation in the Maritime Industry

The maritime industry stands at the brink of a significant transformation driven by the urgent need to address climate change. With the sector embarking on a journey towards decarbonisation, the focus has predominantly been on the technical and regulatory aspects. However, a recent survey by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), in collaboration with the Shipowners’ Club, highlights a crucial but often overlooked aspect: the human impact of these rapid changes on seafarers and shore-based staff.

Understanding the Impact of Decarbonisation

Decarbonisation, while necessary for mitigating environmental impacts, is reshaping the operational landscape of the maritime industry. The shift towards zero-carbon technologies and the implementation of new regulatory regimes are not only altering how ships are managed but are also significantly affecting the people who work on them. This transformation poses unique challenges that extend beyond technical upgrades, deeply influencing the day-to-day experiences and wellbeing of maritime professionals.

Survey Insights: Wellbeing in the Decarbonisation Era

Between July and September 2023, ISWAN conducted a survey to gather insights into how the shift towards decarbonisation is impacting those within the maritime sector. The survey, which drew responses from 400 seafarers of 29 nationalities and 55 shore-based staff, uncovered both support for and concerns about the decarbonisation journey.

A key finding was that over half of the seafarers (53.8%) reported a negative impact on their workload due to decarbonisation. This increased workload has led to higher stress levels for 44% of respondents and greater fatigue for 40.1%. Alarmingly, nearly a third of seafarers (32.8%) expressed heightened fears of criminalisation due to the complexities and stringent requirements associated with new reporting regimes. These concerns highlight a significant risk: that the burden of compliance and the rapid pace of change could detract from the sector’s efforts to achieve its environmental goals.

Engineers, who are on the front lines of implementing new technologies, seem to be particularly affected. Approximately 34.4% of engineer respondents reported that decarbonisation negatively impacted their mental health, compared to 25.3% of deck officers. The frequent need to switch between different fuel types was cited as a major source of increased workload and stress, particularly for engineers without a fixed trading pattern.

While the survey’s sample size of shore-based staff was smaller, their feedback echoed the sentiments of seafarers. Many shore-based respondents supported the principles of decarbonisation but experienced similar challenges regarding health and wellbeing.

Addressing Wellbeing in the Decarbonisation Transition

The survey highlights a pressing need for the maritime industry to balance environmental objectives with the wellbeing of its workforce. Here are several recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts on seafarers and shore-based staff:

1. Manage Workloads and Crew Sizes: Recognize the additional burdens introduced by decarbonisation and adjust crew sizes to ensure manageable workloads.
2. Mental Health Support: Integrate awareness of technostress and the psychological impacts of rapid change into health and wellbeing training programs.
3. Foster Safety Culture: Build a culture where both physical and psychological safety are prioritized, and seafarers feel empowered to voice concerns without fear of retribution.
4. Recognition and Compensation: Ensure that the contributions of seafarers to decarbonisation efforts are acknowledged, providing appropriate remuneration and job security to maintain motivation and satisfaction.
5. User-Friendly Systems: Design new technologies and reporting systems to be cohesive and accessible, reducing the risk of errors and the stress associated with complex operations.
6. Effective Communication: Establish strong communication channels to clearly convey the reasons behind new technologies and reporting requirements, fostering better understanding and acceptance.
7. Simplify Reporting Requirements: Harmonize reporting standards to minimize duplication and reduce the likelihood of inadvertent mistakes that could lead to criminalisation fears.

By prioritizing these areas, maritime companies can turn the challenges of decarbonisation into opportunities for engagement and improvement, making seafarers and shore-based staff active partners in the journey towards a greener industry.

Moving Forward

Simon Grainge, CEO of ISWAN, emphasizes the importance of listening to seafarers’ concerns: “By engaging with their concerns about decarbonisation, maritime employers have the opportunity to empower seafarers to be proponents and drivers of the journey towards zero carbon.”

Louise Hall, Director at The Shipowners’ Club, underscores the need for thoughtful implementation: “As the industry strives to achieve zero-carbon operations, the vessels’ crews must not be overlooked when ensuring an effective and safe implementation of any proposed measures.”

In conclusion, the path to a decarbonised maritime sector is as much about caring for its people as it is about adopting new technologies. By fostering a supportive environment, maritime employers can ensure that the transition to a greener future is sustainable not just for the planet, but for the people who keep the industry moving.