Structural Risks

Maritime transport is defined by structural factors that create significant human and labour rights risks. The widespread use of Flags of Convenience (FOC) – where ships are registered in countries other than their true ownership to reduce costs and regulatory oversight – which sits alongside and enables complex and opaque ownership and management structures, undermines accountability and effective enforcement of international standards. Seafarers operate internationally across jurisdictions with limited oversight and access to remedy, increasing exposure to risks related to working conditions, safety and rights that are further heightened in high-risk environments, including conflict zones and piracy-affected areas. Addressing these structural drivers is essential for effective HRDD.