Bahamas Shipowners Association Industry Forum

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) AGM, held in October, was followed by a fascinating Industry Forum entitled ‘Crewing in Crisis ….Mk II – we’ve made progress but there is still work to be done’. With attendance in person at the office of the International Chamber of Shipping and via Teams, a range of views were shared with the audience but all with a common theme – emphasis should and must be on seafarers. In all there were 25 people attending in the room and 191 participating online which of course was a great success but not least does it show the importance of the issues at stake.

Taking part on the panel were: Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group; Natalie Shaw MBE, Director Employment Affairs, International Chamber of Shipping; Katie Higginbottom, Head of ITF Seafarers’ Trust; and Jan Webber BEM, Director of Development, Mission to Seafarers. The discussion was moderated by John Adams, Chair of the BSA, Senior Advisor at V Group and ICS Board Member.

Although the panel were all coming from different sectors of the industry, there was general agreement that there is a mental health crisis in shipping but that steps can be taken to improve conditions for seafarers. Only through the collaboration of Governments, shipmanagement companies, owners, welfare organisations and unions will seafarers be placed firmly at the centre of everyone’s focus and their wellbeing be the primary concern.