THE MARITIME Just Transition Task Force plans to use its position at COP27 to launch new material on seafarers’ role in the shipping industry’s energy transition.
The taskforce said it will release a position paper, a 10-point action plan focusing on how seafarers can contribute to the transition and how the industry can support them.
The launch of the material is scheduled to coincide with the release of research from maritime consultancy DNV. The research reportedly estimates the number of seafarers who will require training as the transition unfolds.
The Maritime Just Transition Taskforce was formed at COP26 last year with the aim of achieving a “just transition” for seafarers.
It includes the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization.
“The world’s 1.89 million seafarers are key for shipping to shift away from conventional fuels and transition towards alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies,” a taskforce advisory said.
“The Maritime Just Transition Task Force was formed to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of the solution.”
Ministers, non-government organisations, seafarers’ unions and shipowners will convene at COP27 for the launch.
The line-up of speakers at the event includes ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton, IMO secretary general Kitack Lim and ICS secretary general Guy Platten, among others.
Held in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh, COP27 began on Sunday 6 November and will run until Friday 18 November.
The just transition task force event will take place on Wednesday 9 November, and will be live-streamed online.
