The social dimension of sustainability in navigation: recent trends and challenges in the marine labour market

The process of taking into account the environment as a protagonist when considering safety in navigation activities has led to a considerable debate about the implications that the shift towards the so called “circular economy” might have on the maritime labour market, in terms of work conditions and professional skills of seafarers. Discussions have encouraged the international authorities and worker representation bodies to review their strategies on work regulation in order to make workplaces more environmentally friendly, raising seafarers’awareness about environmental issues and sustainability-oriented practices. Making the economy more sustainable will influence the current job market in the maritime sector, as well as require that the skills of the workers become more aligned with the new challenges thereby arising.