BIMCO has published a revised position paper on seafarers, expanding its previous focus on fair treatment into a broader framework addressing the long-term sustainability of the global maritime workforce. The updated position “Supporting maritime workforce sustainability” reflects growing recognition across the industry that ensuring a resilient and attractive seafaring profession requires a holistic approach. This goes beyond legal protections alone and encompasses welfare, training, safety culture and the people as the centre of ship design and operations. A workforce at the centre of global trade The fair treatment of seafarers, particularly in cases involving criminalisation following maritime incidents, abandonment or denial of basic rights such as shore leave or medical care has been at the heart of BIMCO’s work. And while these issues remain critically important, discussions within the industry have increasingly highlighted that the long-term resilience of the maritime workforce depends on a wider set of factors. The global maritime industry relies on nearly two million seafarers, whose professionalism ensures the safe and efficient movement of international trade. Sustaining this workforce requires safe, fair, inclusive and attractive working conditions that support both operational resilience and the long-term appeal of maritime careers. Our new position provides a framework for us to work within that addresses the broader ecosystem that supports seafarers, including welfare, mental health, training, inclusivity, working and living conditions, the people as the centre of ship design and operations, and legal safeguards. This shift reflects feedback from BIMCO members, where shipowners and senior industry representatives identified workforce sustainability as a growing concern. Collectively, these factors influence not only operational resilience but also the attractiveness of seafaring as a career. A changing operating environment The 2021 BIMCO and ICS Sea