The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), a leading international seafarer welfare charity, has announced a three-year partnership with IKEA Supply AG. This collaboration, unveiled on the IMO Day of the Seafarer, aims to boost awareness and understanding of the critical role seafarers play in IKEA’s supply chain, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their wellbeing.
Central to this initiative is a training program for IKEA employees, titled “All You Need to Know About Seafarers.” The inaugural session took place in May 2024, designed to support IKEA’s due diligence in procuring ocean shipping services and ensuring the protection and support of seafarers on board.
This partnership was conceived during the pandemic amid the peak of the shore leave crisis. Since then, IKEA has made seafarer welfare a priority, setting a standard for other cargo owners. “We are thrilled to partner with IKEA in this groundbreaking initiative to enhance the welfare of seafarers,” said a representative from MtS. The collaboration aims to educate IKEA staff about the unique challenges faced by seafarers, fostering a deeper understanding and driving meaningful change in the maritime industry.
The bespoke training program covers a wide range of topics, including the realities of life at sea, seafarers’ welfare needs, their family life, and the legal frameworks protecting their rights. This program provides IKEA participants with valuable insights into the challenges seafarers face, crucial for an organization that relies heavily on seafarers within its supply chain.
The IMO Day of the Seafarer, first observed in 2010, promotes the recognition of seafarers’ contributions to global trade and emphasizes the importance of their welfare. By celebrating this day, MtS and IKEA aim to raise public awareness about seafarers’ vital roles and encourage businesses to ensure their rights and wellbeing are prioritized.
The partnership reflects IKEA’s commitment to improving working conditions and protecting the human rights of seafarers, highlighted by recent additions to their supplier code of conduct, IWAY. Collaborating with maritime welfare specialists, IKEA seeks to positively impact seafarers’ lives and contribute to higher industry standards.
