ETF update: unions demand stronger action on the shadow fleet

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is calling for flag states and international maritime authorities to step up the fight against unregulated shipping.

The rise of the 'shadow fleet' is putting seafarers' safety at risk, says the union federation – with marine pollution likely to increase as well.

The ships in the shadow fleet tend to operate under flags of convenience, registered in nations with minimal regulatory oversight, enabling frequent renaming and reflagging to avoid detection.

Many of these vessels bypass essential protocols, operating without proper insurance, adequate maintenance or safety checks, which puts seafarers and marine environments at heightened risk.

The ETF is urging the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to launch a coordinated European and international response – keeping track of suspicious vessels and implementing more stringent controls to ensure these ships comply with safety, labour, and environmental standards.

'Seafarers should not be unwittingly involved in illegal activities, nor should they be subjected to dangerous work conditions that put their lives at risk,' ETF general secretary Livia Spera said. 'Without a coordinated response from flag states, port authorities, and regulatory bodies, these shadow operations will continue to threaten the safety of our waters and our workers,' she added.

The ETF – whose affiliates include Nautilus International – wants to see the following measures put in place internationally:

• enhanced tracking and transparency requirements, holding flag states accountable for the vessels they register
• stronger port state control inspections to ensure vessels in European waters have valid insurance, adhere to safety regulations and maintain worker protections
• support for IMO and ILO guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers to protect workers from criminalisation in case of an incident or accident involving shadow fleet vessels

Could AI help to track the shadow fleet? Find out in our feature by maritime tech expert Captain Steve Bomgardner