New maritime transport dialogue launched between the EU and ASEAN

Representatives from the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met virtually on 19 March to initiate a new Dialogue on Maritime Transport that will support the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The 2006 Convention is intended to improve seafarers’ living and working conditions, which have in some cases deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The kick-off event was an opportunity for both sides to provide feedback on their experiences to date of implementing the MLC, as well as how this new stream of engagement could support implementation.

While increasing understanding of MLC, the new Dialogue is also intended to build capacity for improved implementation and enforcement in the future. It will help raise awareness of seafarers’ rights and encourage a ‘maritime labour tripartism’ in the form of stronger engagement between governments, seafarers and ship-owners.

The Maritime Transport Dialogue takes place under the umbrella of E-READI, an EU-funded development cooperation programme. Until now, EU-ASEAN cooperation under the programme had focused on road transport, and in particular road safety.