KBRV at the Brussels Conference on the Wellbeing of Seafarers, 8 March 2024

Under Belgium's Rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the North Sea, Paul Van Tigchelt, is hosting a Brussels Conference on the Wellbeing of Seafarers. This ministerial event will take place in Brussels' Egmont Palace on 8 March, International Women’s Day. 

Belgian shipowners will be represented by Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME Group, Marc Nuytemans, Vice President EU region of Excelerate Energy, and Wilfried Lemmens, Managing Director of the Royal Belgian Shipowners' Association (KBRV).

As is mentioned by Minister Van Tigchelt in his statement on the event, "The wellbeing of seafarers is one of the cornerstones of our North Sea policy. Seafarers are often away from home for long periods and daily face the challenges of this tough job. This has an impact on the attractiveness of a job in this sector. New evolutions in shipping can provide opportunities. Within the framework of the Belgian EU Presidency, we want to give this due attention during an international event that will be organised in Brussels on 8 March 2024."

With its long maritime history and world-class professionalism and excellence, Belgian shipping is facing new challenges in the changing global landscape. A major challenge is to ensure the continuity of its high performing and knowledgeable workforce.

One of the topics that will be touched upon is ‘Mental Health in the Maritime Sector’. Mr Luc Vandenbulcke will take part in the panel discussion that looks at possible ways to remove taboo around the issue as part of the constant improvement of working conditions for seafarers.

“While often unseen, seafarers are the backbone of global trade. Addressing their mental health is not only our ethical responsibility, but also critical to maintaining an attractive and sustainable maritime industry. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can create a future where seafaring is a fulfilling career that prioritizes the physical and mental wellbeing of its workforce, attracting and retaining the talent essential for the continued success of the maritime sector." said Mr Vandenbulcke, CEO DEME Group.

In his summarizing speech at the conference, Marc Nuytemans will highlight, “At the heart of this essential industry, 1.9 million seafarers are shouldering a profound responsibility. Yet, these seafarers are not accorded the recognition of key workers. It is high time we rectify this oversight and bestow upon them the respect they truly deserve."

"The KBRV and members have been collaborating for years with the Antwerp Maritime Academy and partners such as WISTA on attracting more young people especially young women to the maritime profession," said Mr Lemmens. "But that is only half the work done. We still have a lot to do to retain women seafarers in the industry by providing them with safe, inclusive, supportive and respectful working environment and conditions. This includes having a set of global standard procedures that are easily implementable to prevent and fight violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, for all our seafarers."

The event will also feature an award ceremony for the “Honors for Diversity and Inclusion in Maritime” for three categories: Best improvement of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Best initiative against harassment, and Best new initiative.

More information on the Brussels Conference on the Wellbeing of Seafarers can be found here: https://mobilit.belgium.be/en/news/brussels-conference-wellbeing-seafarers-8-march-2024