Five years after the introduction of the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, a recent progress report from the Sustainable Shipping Initiative reveals a mixed picture regarding seafarer welfare. The report indicates that a growing number of prominent shipping companies have made tangible advancements in improving conditions for their crews. However, these positive changes have not permeated the entire industry, suggesting that many seafarers continue to experience suboptimal welfare standards.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this disparity in seafarer welfare can indirectly impact supply chain reliability and operational efficiency. Issues such as crew fatigue, low morale, or inadequate living conditions can contribute to delays, safety incidents, or higher crew turnover, potentially affecting vessel schedules and cargo handling. While not a direct rate driver, a less stable crewing environment can introduce unforeseen operational risks that forwarders must factor into their planning and risk assessments, especially when dealing with carriers that may not prioritize welfare.