The Flag of Convenience (FOC) system is a systemic driver of human and labour rights risk in maritime transport. The FOC system enables shipowners to choose the country to flag a ship, with little or no connection to where the ship is owned or operated, in order to reduce regulatory oversight and
Responsible companies have processes in place to review decisions to operate, source or continue business activities in conflict zones, post-conflict areas or otherwise high-risk areas or countries.
These settings raise the risk of gross human rights abuses, and companies must apply heightened due
Seafarer abandonment is an intentional human and labour rights abuse, and is a spiralling, systemic problem. In 2025, ship abandonment figures reached record levels for the sixth year in a row, up 31% on 2024.
A ship is classed as abandoned under international law if a shipowner fails to pay wages
There are three main types of ITF Agreement, all approved by the ITF
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Restrictions on freedom of association and collective bargaining are systemic risks for seafarers, and they undermine the protection of all other labour rights at sea. Despite being fundamental rights under ILO Conventions 87 and 98 and reinforced by the Maritime Labour Convention – these rights are
Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and alternative fuels are transforming maritime shipping, and creating new and often under-recognised risks for seafarers. These risks arise when technological change is implemented without adequate safeguards, training or meaningful engagement with workers
Violence and harassment are systemic risks in maritime shipping. Seafarers operate in isolated, confined and hierarchical environments that increase exposure to bullying, intimidation, physical violence and sexual harassment. The closed nature of ships, combined with prolonged periods at sea and
Access to safe, clean and adequate sanitation facilities is a core component of decent working and living conditions under the Maritime Labour Convention. In practice, seafarers often face significant risks where sanitation standards are substandard, poorly maintained or not accessible. Given that
In maritime transport, the risks of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking rise significantly where seafarers are recruited through agencies and intermediaries, misled about terms and conditions, subjected to delayed or non-payment of wages, or prevented from leaving ships at the end of
