Delegates at a Vatican conference this week heard that forced labour in the maritime world is still common place and contrary to the popular view, is not restricted to developing countries but also occurring in countries such as New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, South Korea, Ireland and Scotland.

Fr Giacomo Martino, consultor to the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Workers, highlighted industrial fishing vessels as … Read More…]]>

Delegates at a Vatican conference this week heard that forced labour in the maritime world is still common place and contrary to the popular view, is not restricted to developing countries but also occurring in countries such as New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, South Korea, Ireland and Scotland.

Fr Giacomo Martino, consultor to the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Workers, highlighted industrial fishing vessels as a particular area of concern: “Crew on fishing vessels permanently positioned on the high seas are unlikely to report abuse, injury or death or otherwise seek help for their own protection. 

“Fishers often have to surrender identity documentation to their Master so mobility in port is restricted, their isolation is further compounded by the difficulty or lack of communication with family whilst at sea due to the lack of access to mobile or satellite phones.”

Fr Martino, a former port chaplain and former Italian national director of global seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea, said a further factor contributing to the vulnerability of these people is the irregularity of their salary, together with a lack of transparency, and the fact that often the workers are paid literally with a share of the catch, which encourages them to work excessive hours. 

The conference heard that fishers are particularly susceptible to exploitation by certain ship owners, brokers and recruitment agencies because of a background of poverty, inexperience and a degree of naivety amongst some migrant workers.

Fr Martino also lamented the lack of significant progress since the publication in 2001 of “Ships, Slaves and Competition” by Peter Morris. This report stated that 10%-15% of global seafarers work in conditions of modern slavery. The report also detailed accounts of seafarers disappearing after arguments with officials or the existence of black lists for those who joined trade unions. 

Beyond the fishing sector, Martino highlighted the issue of some owners operating vessels with the minimum number of crew and the fragmentation of national groups, which increased seafarers’ sense of isolation. Additional problems such as lack of health care and social insurance mean that, in reality, the life of a seafarer is far from the romantic idea of a life of adventure in distant lands.

Fr Martino told delegates of his hope that the Maritime Labour Convention, which comes into force in August this year, will establish minimum standards regarding social security, conditions of employment and welfare conditions onboard. 

The Vatican conference also heard of the continuing phenomenon of piracy, particularly in Somalia, in which hundreds of ships, and thousands of seafarers, have been systematically attacked, taken, and brutalised; with many seafarers kidnapped for several months in atrocious conditions without food and adequate water, sometimes being physically and psychologically tortured.

Fr Martino told the conference that unlike others areas of forced migration, seafarers and fishers do not appear as a true “migration issue” because they do not physically have the time to “bother us”. They are “like ghosts touching our cities daily, emerging from ships for the procedure of signing in, or for a quick phone call home, to disappear immediately inside the metal sheets like cockroaches struck by light; always strangers in every port.” 

Following the intervention of Martino, delegates today met Pope Francis who invited the whole international community, to develop, “effective initiatives and new approaches in order to protect their dignity.”

ICS explained the realities of the very serious economic challenges presently confronting shipping at a special ministerial session on the financing of sustainable … Read More…]]> At the OECD International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany, the annual gathering of the world’s transport ministers from more than 50 countries (22-24 May), the views of the global shipping industry were represented by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the principal global trade association for shipowners.

ICS explained the realities of the very serious economic challenges presently confronting shipping at a special ministerial session on the financing of sustainable maritime transport. Speaking on behalf of ICS, Stena AB CEO, Carl-Johan Hagman said: “In the current economic climate the shipping industry has to work in close contact with shipping’s global regulators, especially the IMO, and make them fully aware of the implications of their actions.

“Protection of the environment is of great importance,” he confirmed, pointing out the need for balance between the measures taken with the economic impact of these measures.

Mr Hagman explained to the closed meeting: “Distillate fuels currently cost around fifty per cent more than residual fuel and the difference between the two fuels is expected to increase as the use of distillate becomes mandatory. Without significant extra production of distillate fuels, how should ship operators manage these extra fuel costs?”

Questioning how ship operators will manage all the additional costs associated with ecomeasures, Mr Hagman said the increases “threaten to rise so high that they may have a dramatic impact on world trade or force cargo back onto roads or to other less carbon-efficient modes of transport.

“If governments and regulators are serious about the concept of sustainable shipping, then we must give serious consideration to these cost-benefit questions,” he concluded.

Yesterday, Thursday 23rd May 2013, the European Commission adopted a Regulation and Communication entitled “Ports: an engine for growth”.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is satisfied with the fact that the Commission decided not to touch upon port labour organisation in the proposals adopted yesterday and that cargo-handling is excluded from market access rules. However, it is extremely concerned about the consequences that the proposals … Read More…]]>

Yesterday, Thursday 23rd May 2013, the European Commission adopted a Regulation and Communication entitled “Ports: an engine for growth”.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is satisfied with the fact that the Commission decided not to touch upon port labour organisation in the proposals adopted yesterday and that cargo-handling is excluded from market access rules. However, it is extremely concerned about the consequences that the proposals could have on the workers that the Federation represents in technical-nautical services, notably in pilotage, towage and mooring.

The ETF Dockers and Maritime Transport Sections have already started a joint debate on the future EU ports policy and are ready to join forces to make their voice and priorities heard by policy-makers.

Philippe Alfonso, ETF Political Secretary for Maritime Transport, stated: “Some ETF maritime affiliates represent also workers in technical-nautical services. Our point of view is that any attempt to deregulate technical-nautical services should be strictly defined and controlled to avoid marine casualties that would pose a threat to the marine environment and put human lives at risk. Indeed, we should avoid a situation where safety at sea would be sacrificed to competition and profit with a view to serve specific interests rather than the broader public interest”.

“Even if dock labour is not included in the new regulation it is clear that liberalisation of port labour is still on the Commission’s agenda,” said the ETF Dockers’ Section Chair Terje Samuelsen. “The strategy seems to have changed,” he continued, “as we have passed from comprehensive one-size-fits-all proposals to targeted interventions at national level. Furthermore, in its Communication the Commission clearly indicates its intention to come back on the issue of port labour in 2016. European dockers remain vigilant and are ready to fight back any attempt to deregulate theirprofessions”.

A position paper on the Commission’s proposals will be issued in the near future after an in-depth analysis of the draft Communication and Regulation.

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has signed a classification agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of five 18,400 TEU containerships, the largest of which have been ordered by China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL).

“The agreement marks a historic milestone for GL. We feel honored to be part of this exciting project and will make sure it becomes a success,” said Mr Erik van der Noordaa, … Read More…]]>

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has signed a classification agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of five 18,400 TEU containerships, the largest of which have been ordered by China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL).

“The agreement marks a historic milestone for GL. We feel honored to be part of this exciting project and will make sure it becomes a success,” said Mr Erik van der Noordaa, CEO, GL Group.

CSCL expects that the combined efforts with HHI and GL lead to the most state-of-the-art containerships that will strengthen their international competitiveness and global service network. Besides its size, the new type of containership is unique in its environmental performance with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. According to HHI, fuel consumption will be cut by 20%-30% per unit and thereby lower its unit cost considerably.

Each of these mega containerships measures 400m overall in length and 58.6m in width. They will be built according to GL’s rules for classification and construction. Delivery is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2014.

The vessels are equipped with the GL class notation RSCS (Route Specific Container Stowage). RSCS was recently introduced to provide an even more efficient usage of cargo capacity with more flexibility and more laden containers on board on specific routes without compromising on safety.

With the class notation EP-D (Environmental Passport Design) the vessels are prepared for upcoming regulations at an early stage. EP-D is a compilation of relevant ship characteristics for meeting national and international environmental Standards.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Deltalinqs (the association of port industries) has expressed fears that the European Commission’s proposal to appoint an independent supervisor for ports in every Member State will lead to unnecessary procedures and delays, as port tariffs and market access fall under scrutiny.

The proposal forms part of the new port package, which the European Commission published on Thursday. Its purpose … Read More…]]>

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Deltalinqs (the association of port industries) has expressed fears that the European Commission’s proposal to appoint an independent supervisor for ports in every Member State will lead to unnecessary procedures and delays, as port tariffs and market access fall under scrutiny.

The proposal forms part of the new port package, which the European Commission published on Thursday. Its purpose is to promote competition in and between ports. This must lead, among other things, to greater free market forces, more transparency, liberalisation and clarity regarding the financing of ports and the provision of service in ports.

There are a number of good aspects to the European Commission’s proposal. For instance, the role of the Port Authority as custodian of the quality and availability of services in the port; promoting the operation of market forces in general and making the government’s role in financing both the infrastructure and the services in the port transparent.

According to the CEO, Hans Smits, the appointment of a new supervisor would actually undermine the intentions of the EC and increase red tape.

“In the Netherlands, such new supervision is totally superfluous. Following its autonomisation in 2004, the Port Authority signed a covenant with Deltalinqs, after it had been reviewed by the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa). In it, highly efficient and effective procedures for setting port tariffs were agreed. Furthermore, anyone who has a complaint can report it to the NMa.”

The president of Deltalinqs, Steven Lak, agreed: “As clients of the port, we have a well-functioning consultation system with the Port Authority for setting the port tariffs every year. If we are unable to agree on these tariffs, there is an independent arbitration scheme.”

Both the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Deltalinqs believe that these instruments are more than adequate to safeguard the implementation of the new European port legislation. The introduction of extra supervisory measures will only result in a greater administrative burden and more bureaucracy.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is currently in consultation with the Commission and assumes that the Commission’s proposal will be amended on this point, and that the ‘Rotterdam model’ will also be included in the new port package. Deltalinqs has agreed with this.

The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) has welcomed the new Commission initiative on a new EU Port Policy but has questioned why it does not cover cargo-handling and passenger services, nor port labour.

Brussels adopted today a proposal for a Regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports. The legislative proposal is accompanied by a Communication entitled ‘Ports: an engine for growth’.

The European Commission has published a new initiative to improve port operations and onward transport connections at 319 key seaports along Europe’s coastline, 43 of which are in the UK. The guidelines and legal changes being proposed will help port operators upgrade their services and facilities, as well as have more financial autonomy. Some 74% of the goods entering or leaving Europe go by sea, but one fifth of … Read More…]]>

The European Commission has published a new initiative to improve port operations and onward transport connections at 319 key seaports along Europe’s coastline, 43 of which are in the UK. The guidelines and legal changes being proposed will help port operators upgrade their services and facilities, as well as have more financial autonomy. Some 74% of the goods entering or leaving Europe go by sea, but one fifth of that amount currently passes through just three ports: Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp. This imbalance between port performance results in congestion and extra costs for shippers, transport operators and consumers. The new proposals could save the European economy up to €10 billion by 2030 and help develop new short sea links. Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for mobility and transport, said: “Our seaports are vital gateways, linking our transport corridors to the rest of the world. We already have some of the finest port facilities in the world. We need to keep them. But we are facing major challenges in terms of congestion, traffic growth and investment. More of our ports need to reach these high standards. The proposals today will bring Europe’s port services into the 21st century, help attract investment and create jobs where they are most needed.” The Commission’s port review focuses on these 319 ports as a basis for a highly functioning European ports network managing 96% of goods and 93% of passengers which transit through the EU ports. The initiative comprises of a communication that reviews the European port policy and announces eight Commission actions and a focused legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council in order to introduce the new legal provisions required to deliver the policy and objectives. The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and EU member states’ ministers before being adopted under the normal legislative procedure

  “Today we are clearing the way for international shipping and trade. That’s typical of the Netherlands. That’s how we became big,” she said at the opening.

“With Maasvlakte 2, the Netherlands is throwing the door wide open to the newest generation of container ships. … Read More…]]> The Netherlands Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, today (Wednesday) opened the port expansion project Maasvlakte 2 at the Port of Rotterdam.

Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, opened the port expansion project Maasvlakte 2. Photo: Bart Maas

“With Maasvlakte 2, the Netherlands is throwing the door wide open to the newest generation of container ships. And we offer space for the latest terminals. The port is growing 20% larger, and the container capacity has doubled. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created.”

The first phase of the project has now been largely completed and has gone according to schedule and well within the $1.55billion budget. Construction of the two container terminals of RWG and APMT is on schedule and they will be operational by the end of next year.

In the second half of this year, the Port Authority will place poles in the inland lake of Maasvlakte 2 for ship-to-ship transfer and there are also advanced plans for developing an industrial park for the bio-based chemical industry on the site next to Lyondell.

The port now has 700 hectares more land for business sites and another 300 hectares will be added to this in the second phase. The first phase also included the installation of a bathing beach which was opened last May.

The facility, which previously produced architectural coatings and was part of PPG’s January 2012 acquisition of Dyrup A/S, now produces PMC products for the construction, petrochemical, shipbuilding and energy industries.

“The Ostrów manufacturing plant is a key part of our strategy to grow and expand in this region,” said … Read More…]]>

From left to right, Andrzej Suchecki, Managing Director Centromost Płock, Jarosław Urbaniak, Mayor of Ostrów Wielkopolski and Tim Knavish, Vice President PPG PMC

PPG Industries has announced it has started manufacturing protective and marine coatings (PMC) at the company’s facility in Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland.

The facility, which previously produced architectural coatings and was part of PPG’s January 2012 acquisition of Dyrup A/S, now produces PMC products for the construction, petrochemical, shipbuilding and energy industries.

“The Ostrów manufacturing plant is a key part of our strategy to grow and expand in this region,” said Tim Knavish, PPG Vice President, Protective and Marine Coatings.

“It has been transformed into one of PPG’s most modern and efficient manufacturing facilities, and the strategic investment will strengthen our position in fast-growing markets throughout Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey.”

The plant now produces coatings for the PMC business such as epoxy, hardener, alkyd, acrylic, zinc and polyurethane products. PPG has moved the architectural coatings production from this site to its Wroclaw, Poland, manufacturing complex – one of the company’s largest sites worldwide.

The proceedings were recorded by one of the defence lawyers, Stephen Barney, and produced in a very small quantity for distribution to others closely involved in the trial.  An Appendix to the minutes is particularly … Read More…]]> An exceptionally rare copy of the minutes of the 1792 court-martial of the Bounty mutineers is to be sold at Bonhams in London on 19th June, with an estimated price of between £25,000 and £30,000.

The proceedings were recorded by one of the defence lawyers, Stephen Barney, and produced in a very small quantity for distribution to others closely involved in the trial.  An Appendix to the minutes is particularly important, containing “a Full Account of the Real Causes and Circumstances of that Unhappy Transaction, the Most Material of Which Have Hitherto Been Withheld from the Public.”

The mutiny on HMS Bounty is one of the best known incidents in British Naval history.  The Bounty, under Captain Bligh, had sailed for Tahiti in 1787 to collect breadfruit plants. While waiting for the plants to grow large enough to transport safely, Bligh allowed his crew to live ashore and fraternise with the local population. At the same time, he savagely punished any wrong doing and was particularly vindictive towards the master mate, Christian Fletcher.

A few days into the return voyage in April 1789, Fletcher and his co-conspirators mutinied, motivated partly by revenge for the harsh treatment they had endured and partly by the attractions of life on Tahiti. They put Captain Bligh and 18 others out to sea in the ship’s launch and, after a few months wandering, settled on the Pitcairn Islands where they burned the ship. 

By an extraordinary feat of seamanship, Bligh navigated his way to East Timor and by March 1790 was back in England. The Royal Navy despatched HMS Pandora to retrieve the Bounty – not knowing of its fate – and apprehend the mutineers, 14 of whom eventually either gave themselves up or were arrested.  Before she could set sail for home, the Pandora ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef but 10 of the mutineers survived to face court martial in Portsmouth.   

Of the 10 men on trial, four were acquitted on the evidence of Captain Bligh, two were found guilty but pardoned, one escaped on a legal technicality and three were hanged. Captain Bligh faced a court-martial for the loss of his ship but was acquitted and eventually rose to the rank of Admiral.  Christian Fletcher and the surviving mutineers stayed on the Pitcairn Islands where their descendants live to this day.

The lot forms part of the Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Photographs sale at the auction house in Knightsbridge.