Response to UK ratification of the
Maritime Labour Convention

Aug. 7, 2013

Mark Brownrigg, Director-General of the UK Chamber of Shipping said:

“We are delighted to hear that the UK has today formally ratified the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), consolidating international labour and employment standards and setting minimum global standards for seafarers' living and working conditions. This completes the package of regulatory instruments developed at IMO level.

“The UK Chamber has been deeply involved in the work needed to ratify the MLC on behalf of our members to ensure it is fit for purpose. We have been part of the long term working groups and consultations to look at both national and international implementation.

“We have campaigned heavily in Parliament to ensure MPs from across the political spectrum understood the importance of the MLC and worked with us to achieve ratification. We extend our thanks and congratulations to Government for achieving this in a very short timescale.

“The Maritime Labour Convention is crucial for our industry, creating a level playing field in which standards for mariners are brought into line with those applicable to land-based work, whilst still recognising the unique environment in which seafarers work.

“We look forward to working very closely with all parties – particularly the Maritime and Coastguard Agency – going forward to ensure the smooth implementation of the detailed regulations required to make the MLC a success.”

• The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association for the UK shipping industry, working to promote and protect the interests of its members both nationally and internationally.

• With around 140 members from across the maritime sector, the UK Chamber represents over 925 ships of about 30 million gross tons and is recognised as the voice of the UK shipping industry.

• UK shipping has a turnover of over £11bn. With indirect effects, UK shipping’s contribution to UK GDP is £13bn.

• The UK Chamber is the home of the Merchant Navy Training Board - the shipping industry’s central body for promoting and developing seafarer education, training and skills, and provides MNTB administration and staffing arrangements.

• The UK Chamber is a member of Maritime UK, which brings together the major associations representing the UK’s the shipping, ports and maritime business services sectors.

• The UK Chamber is a lead partner in Sea Vision, the nationwide campaign working to raise awareness of the sea and the maritime sector, particularly amongst young people aged between 13 and 22 years old.

UK Chamber of Shipping press release