Transport Buyer Practices for Improving Working Conditions at Sea

Abstract

In response to new and upcoming regulations such as the CSRD and CSDDD, this thesis evaluates how suppliers within the RoRo and FCL shipping segments currently ensure their seafarers’ working conditions, as well as through which practices customers of these shipping segments can promote better conditions at sea. Through interviews with international shipping companies, Swedish transport buyers as well as survey responses from 512 seafarers, insight were gathered regarding where the maritime industry falls short in protecting seafarers' wellbeing and rights, and through which practices buyers can increase their leverage and improve their due diligence processes. The findings imply that suppliers largely secure acceptable working conditions through legal compliance supported by parallel control measures, but these measures are less effective in addressing less visible forms of harm, such as mental health and fatigue. Secondly, the risk of subpar working conditions also seems to be higher in chartered operations, especially in combination with less reliable flag states. Lastly, the findings identify that buyers can promote better workings conditions at sea through different strategic, governance and operational practices, while certain barriers are prevalent.