Group of students from IKEA and instructors on deck of cargo ship

The Mission to Seafarers, a seafarer welfare charity, has entered into a three-year partnership with IKEA Supply AG. IKEA is going to work with the mission to build knowledge and awareness of the integral role of seafarers within the IKEA supply chain. The goal is to enhance the wellbeing of seafarers.

“The wellbeing of seafarers is a priority to us in IKEA and they play an essential role in ensuring that our goods reach our customers,” says Elisabeth Munck af Rosenschöld, global sustainability manager at IKEA supply chain operations. “We are committed to improving working conditions and protecting their human rights at sea. Recently we introduced additional requirements on ocean shipping in the IKEA supplier code of conduct to put the spotlight on the wellbeing of seafarers. By collaborating with specialists who bring their deep knowledge of maritime welfare, we aim to positively impact seafarers’ everyday lives and contribute to a better industry standard.”

The partnership will centre around a training programme for IKEA employees, called ‘All you need to know about Seafarers’. The inaugural session of this course took place in May 2024 and is designed to assist IKEA in its due diligence when procuring ocean shipping services, helping to ensure that the seafarers on board are properly protected and supported.

The partnership originated from discussions during the pandemic when the shore leave crisis was at its peak. Since then, IKEA has proactively prioritised seafarer welfare, setting a commendable standard for other cargo owners to follow. The training, designed by the mission for IKEA, covers a wide range of topics, including the realities of life at sea, seafarers’ welfare needs, their family life, and the legal frameworks and regulations that protect and safeguard their rights in recruitment and employment.

Ben Bailey, director of programme at the Mission to Seafarers, says it’s a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the welfare of seafarers. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that seafarers, who play a critical role in sustaining global trade, receive the recognition, support, and protection they deserve, and we applaud IKEA for taking this step.

Students from IKEA with Ruth Campbell, port chaplain in Tilbury, and course instructor Hazel Sivori on deck of cargo ship

“By helping to educate the IKEA team about the unique challenges faced by seafarers, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and drive meaningful change in the maritime industry. This partnership is a significant step towards fostering greater awareness for seafarers and sets a powerful example of corporate social responsibility, while highlighting the importance of seafarer welfare in sustaining the global economy.”

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