Shipping

Advancing respect for human rights in the transportation of commodities.

Summary

Shipping is the backbone of the global economy, with over 80% of the world’s trade by volume being transported by sea. Human rights issues arise across the entire lifecycle of a ship – from design, finance and ordering, through building and operation, to breaking/recycling. IHRB shipping outputs and initiatives fall under the banner of the Ocean and Human Rights Platform, a joint initiative with Rafto, and include:

The Seafarers and Recruitment Fees Research Briefing, published in partnership with the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), found that the charging of ‘recruitment fees’ is the most common illegal practice experienced by seafarers. The research surveyed almost 5,000 seafarers between September 2022 and February 2023.

A briefing outlining human rights impacts and best practice steps for companies involved in any stage across a ship’s lifecycle.

A human rights code of conduct for charterers, developed in partnership with the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, and in collaboration with Rafto; alongside a self-assessment questionnaire for shipowners and operators to gauge their performance and encourage year on year improvement.

Seafarers’ welfare and the COVID-19 crew change crisis - advocated to avoid seafarers being forced to stay on board beyond legal limitations due to port restrictions, including contributing the Crew Change Guidance Tool (external link), published jointly by the ILO, OHCHR and the UN Global Compact.

Responsible Shipping Dialogue for container cargo owners - a working group including global brands, shipowners and operators, and seafarers’ representatives, aiming to provide guidance for cargo owners on ensuring human rights due diligence in their shipping activities (for more information please contact Francesca Fairbairn).