ETF Maritime

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

Panel discussion spotlight

💬How do long working hours, insufficient rest and disrupted sleep affect seafarers’ health, safety and decision-making at sea?

Tomorrow, at the ETF event on decent working time for sea workers, experts from international organisations, maritime health, insurance and fatigue risk management will address a critical issue for the maritime sector.

The discussion will feature:
Beatriz Vacotto (ILO)
Lorraine Hager
Philippe Cabon

Moderated by Mark Dickinson

⏳ Only one day to go until we continue the conversation on fatigue, working time and decent work at sea.

18/05/2026

📢 The evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) clearly shows that the social cost paid by fishers and fisheries workers can no longer be ignored.

Over the years, the sector has made major sacrifices through reduced fishing effort, fewer vessels and significant job losses. Yet workers continue to face declining employment, stagnant wages, ageing fleets, deteriorating working conditions and shrinking profitability.

Today we released ETF's reaction to the Commission's evaluation of the CFP, noting that sustainability cannot rely on environmental objectives alone. We call on the EU to ensure a truly balanced approach that gives equal importance to the social, economic and environmental pillars.

EU fisheries play a strategic role in food security, employment and coastal communities. Future policies must support growth, investment, innovation and better working and living conditions for crews.

Read more in our article: https://www.etf-europe.org/evaluation-of-the-common-fisheries-policy-shows-the-social-dimension-has-been-neglected/
Download our full reaction:https://www.etf-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026.05.06-ETF-Reaction-Paper-to-CFP-Evaluation.pdf

18/05/2026

⚓️Today, we celebrate women in maritime!

The ETF proudly stands with all women working at sea and across the maritime sector.

Despite numerous efforts and initiatives, women represent only around 1% of the world’s seafarers. Much more to be done to increase this figure.

A fair and sustainable maritime industry is built on equality, dignity, respect, safe working environments, and a healthy work-life balance for everyone.

Creating an inclusive, accessible, welcoming, safe, respectful, and harassment-free workplace is essential to attracting, retaining and empowering more women to progress and lead in maritime careers.

07/05/2026

ETF took part recently in the Danube Commission Expert Meeting on ports in Ruse🇧🇬, continuing our work to strengthen the involvement of ETF IWT Sections in the Danube region.

Together with Dencho Denchev (Съюз на транспортните синдикати в България - СТСБ), we shared ETF’s vision on automation & digitalisation in ports:

➡️ No automation without negotiation
➡️ Workers must be involved from the start
➡️ Investment in tech must go hand in hand with investment in people

Digital transition in inland ports must be fair, inclusive and based on strong social dialogue.

Thanks to the Danube Commission for the invitation.

Read more here: https://www.etf-europe.org/automation-in-danube-inland-ports-etf-contribution-to-the-debate/

05/05/2026

🚨Urgent: ITF reaction to Project Freedom

An Iranian official warned American forces will be attacked if they try to approach or enter the oil chokepoint, after President Donald Trump said the US military will begin guiding stranded ships through the strait today. Follow for live updates.

28/04/2026

VICTORY AT THE PORT OF AVILÉS! ⚓️✊

Congratulations to CCOO Estiba España: After months of struggle, unity, and determination, dockworkers have secured a historic agreement.

All 41 jobs are protected, and the future of temporary workers is now guaranteed - a powerful reminder of what collective action can achieve.

✅ Workers will be reassigned to companies that ensure stability and steady work: Marítima del Principado, Ership, and Algeposa.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this hard-fought win. 💪

VICTORIA EN EL PUERTO DE AVILÉS! ⚓️✊

Después de meses de lucha y resistencia, los estibadores han logrado un acuerdo histórico. Se garantiza la continuidad de toda la plantilla (41 empleados) y se asegura el futuro del colectivo eventual.

✅ ¿En qué consiste el acuerdo?
Los trabajadores serán recolocados en las tres empresas que garantizan estabilidad y carga de trabajo: Marítima del Principado, Ership y Algeposa.

“Luchando con unión, fuerza y sentido común, hemos dado una salida que parecía imposible”. — Manuel Pravia.

Se evita así el ERE y los despidos traumáticos, devolviendo la normalidad a nuestro puerto. ¡La unión hace la fuerza! 🤜🤛

22/04/2026

Maritime Transport days at the ETF

21-22 April, we wrapped up the Maritime Transport Section, the MT EU Committee meetings and the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting.

We look back on two days of lively discussions on

🔹 The finalisation of the WMU study on the social rights of seafarers in European Waters and the preparation of the ETF event to present the findings of the report (Brussels, 21 May ’26)

🔹 The situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz

🔹 The sufficient progress reached on the transposition of 2016, 2018, 2022 MLC Amendments into EU Law, and an agreement reached on 10 out of 11 Stds.

🔹The Implementation of the ETF-ECSA SSDC Work Programme 2024-2026:

🔹 The European Maritime Skills Forum Plenary (31 March 2026)

🔹..and much more! We thank all the participants for their active participation and valuable input.

14/04/2026

Today, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera delivered a clear message at the 60th EMPA General Meeting: human capital resilience in maritime depends on a workforce that is not only skilled, but also protected, supported, and willing to stay.

Workforce availability is now the sector’s critical bottleneck, with too many seafarers leaving early. The issue is not awareness - it is the quality of jobs and career prospects. To retain workers in the industry, they must feel protected, valued, and treated fairly.

As technology advances, it can support decision-making, but it cannot replace human judgment and leadership, especially in safety-critical environments. Even the most advanced systems rely on people.

At the European level, this means moving from principles to action:
• Better enforcement of existing rules
• Stronger coordination on social security and pension rights
• Decisive action against social dumping

The ETF European Maritime Space concept sets a clear direction: everyone working on ships operating regularly in European waters should benefit from EU terms and conditions - regardless of flag, nationality, or residence.

The question is not whether humans will be replaced, but how technology can strengthen, not undermine, the human element.

If we want a safe, sustainable, and attractive maritime sector, we must invest not only in smarter ships, but in stronger, more supported people.

13/04/2026

🚨 Europe’s fishing sector is in crisis.

Skyrocketing fuel prices are pushing many fishers to the brink, with some vessels forced to stay in port because operating costs now exceed their earnings. For an industry already facing tight margins, this situation is simply unsustainable.

The ETF warns that this crisis is not just about economics - it’s about people. Fishers and their families across Europe are seeing their livelihoods threatened, while entire coastal communities risk long-term social and economic decline.

We are calling on the EU to act urgently, including:
⚠️ Emergency financial support to offset fuel costs
⚠️ Measures to stabilize energy prices for the sector
⚠️ Stronger social protections for fishers and workers
⚠️ Long-term investment to ensure a fair and sustainable transition

Without immediate intervention, Europe could face serious disruptions to its seafood supply chain and the loss of a vital, historic industry.

🔗Read more: https://www.etf-europe.org/fuel-crisis-puts-european-fishers-livelihoods-at-risk-etf-calls-for-urgent-eu-intervention/