Posted: July 19th, 2023

What are the ethical considerations associated with maritime activities

What are the ethical considerations associated with maritime activities, and how can ethical frameworks be developed and implemented in the shipping industry?
The shipping industry plays a vital role in global trade, transporting over 90% of goods internationally by sea (UNCTAD, 2023). However, maritime operations also raise important ethical issues regarding their environmental, social, and economic impacts. This paper examines some of the key ethical considerations for the shipping sector and discusses approaches for developing ethical frameworks. It begins by outlining environmental, crew welfare, and fair business practice concerns. Next, it explores industry-led and regulatory mechanisms for promoting responsible practices. The conclusion emphasizes the need for collaborative and multifaceted solutions.
Environmental Considerations

Ships burn large quantities of fuel and emit air pollutants like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. If left unaddressed, these emissions threaten public health and the climate (ICS, 2022). Shipping currently accounts for around 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a share that is growing as other sectors decarbonize (IMO, 2022). Ethical duties to protect the environment and mitigate climate change mean the industry must urgently reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Ships also introduce aquatic invasive species through ballast water discharges, which can severely damage marine ecosystems by preying on or outcompeting native species (UNCTAD, 2023). The introduction of invasive species through shipping raises ethical questions, as it undermines biodiversity protection efforts. Compliance with regulations on ballast water management techniques is therefore important from an environmental stewardship perspective.
Oil spills from tanker accidents also endanger coastal and ocean environments. While infrequent, large spills can have devastating ecological impacts that take decades to recover from, as was seen after incidents like the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon disasters (UNEP, 2022). Upholding stringent safety and pollution prevention standards for tankers is thus an ethical necessity.
Crew Health, Safety, and Welfare Considerations
Seafaring is a demanding occupation that requires crew members to live and work at sea for extended periods, often in isolated conditions. Long hours, fatigue, and separation from family life can negatively impact both physical and mental health if proper protections are lacking (ILO, 2022). Ensuring compliance with international labor conventions regarding issues like maximum work hours, minimum rest periods, medical care, and repatriation is an ethical duty owed to crews.
Substandard ships in some sectors also pose safety risks, while piracy, stowaways, and human trafficking remain ongoing concerns in certain regions. Promoting crew welfare and protecting basic human rights should be priorities given the risks seafarers face (ICS, 2022). Their work sustains global trade, so ethical frameworks must safeguard decent living and working conditions aboard ships.
Fair Business Practice Considerations

The shipping industry encompasses complex global supply chains linking shipowners, charterers, cargo owners, ports, and other stakeholders. Transparency and accountability are needed to uphold ethical business conduct throughout these relationships (UNCTAD, 2023). Issues like anti-competitive practices, corruption, irresponsible procurement, and lack of transparency can disadvantage certain groups and undermine fair market functioning.
Adopting responsible policies on issues like anti-bribery, human rights in supply chains, and fair commercial relationships helps address these concerns. Frameworks like the UN Global Compact also encourage companies to operate sustainably and with integrity (UN Global Compact, 2022). Ethical sourcing of ships, equipment, and services requires vigilance against exploitation throughout maritime logistics networks.
Developing Ethical Frameworks
To institutionalize high ethical standards, a multifaceted approach is needed involving industry self-regulation, certification, and government oversight. Industry associations can play a leading role by establishing codes of conduct outlining commitments to responsible practices. For example, the International Chamber of Shipping’s Environmental Code emphasizes compliance with regulations and continuous performance improvement (ICS, 2022).
Third-party certification against recognized standards also promotes compliance. The Clean Shipping Project certifies lower-sulfur marine fuels to ensure quality and responsible sourcing (CSP, 2022). RightShip independently scores vessels on factors like safety and environmental performance to guide procurement decisions (RightShip, 2022). National and international regulations further incentivize ethical behavior through compliance monitoring and enforcement.
At the intergovernmental level, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopts conventions setting baseline requirements. However, a solely top-down regulatory approach may lag industry and public expectations. Multi-stakeholder initiatives thus complement these efforts by directly engaging companies, NGOs, investors, and other groups. Collaborations shape aspirational goals, share best practices, and apply non-regulatory pressure for continuous progress.
Conclusion
As a globally significant sector, shipping companies and associated stakeholders have an ethical duty to respect human rights and minimize environmental, social, and economic harms. A holistic approach is needed involving industry self-regulation, certification, collaborative initiatives, and governmental oversight. By developing and implementing robust ethical frameworks, the maritime industry can enhance its sustainability credentials and social license to operate. Addressing the issues outlined in this paper will help shipping responsibly deliver the benefits of global trade for current and future generations.

References
ICS (International Chamber of Shipping). 2022. “ICS Environmental Code.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-facts/environmental-performance/ics-environmental-code.
ILO (International Labour Organization). 2022. “Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/maritime-labour-convention/lang–en/index.htm.
IMO (International Maritime Organization). 2022. “Third IMO Greenhouse Gas Study 2020.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Third-IMO-Greenhouse-Gas-Study-2020.aspx.
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). 2023. “Review of Maritime Transport 2023.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2023_en.pdf.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). 2022. “Oil Spills.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/what-we-do/addressing-land-based-pollution/oil-spills.
UN Global Compact. 2022. “Oceans.” Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.unglobalcompact.org/take-action/action-platforms/oceans.