EVOLVING CREW CHALLENGES CALL FOR ENHANCED FOCUS ON SEAFARER MENTAL HEALTH

While the pandemic and crew-change crisis inspired collaborative efforts to improve crew welfare, the digitalisation and energy transitions pose new challenges for seafarer well-being, calling for enhanced focus on mental health at sea, says Wallem Group Technical Director, Praveen Shukla

- Praveen Shukla

The Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing crewchange crisis - later exacerbated by the escalation of the war in Ukraine - disrupted supply chains and had a significant impact on crew welfare, leaving seafarers stranded at sea for months at a time facing acute emotional hardship. The situation did yield one positive outcome: its widespread media coverage helped to thrust shipping - and seafarers into the public consciousness.

The crew-change crisis highlighted to a mainstream audience the critical role shipping plays in the global economy, shining a light on the sacrifice seafarers make and the challenges they face in their daily lives - and inspiring a collaborative effort from the industry to improve crew welfare, which was heartening to see.