A prominent maritime labor union, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (Meba), has issued a stark warning regarding what it deems as corporate prioritization of profit over safety in the maritime industry. The union’s concerns come in the aftermath of a recent cargo ship collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, on the early hours of March 26, 2024. This regretful incident has halted the Port of Baltimore’s vessel traffic, raising questions about vessel size and crew adequacy.
Roland Rexha, Meba’s secretary-treasurer, emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures and global standards following the tragic collapse of the Baltimore bridge. He asserted that such incidents could be prevented with well-trained crews and adequate resources but lamented that companies often prioritize profit margins over safety protocols.
According to Rexha, the recent spate of accidents, including the Baltimore bridge collapse and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, underscores the detrimental effects of corporate greed, with the maritime sector being particularly susceptible.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the collision involving the Dali, a 948-foot cargo vessel sailing under the Singapore flag. The ship, bound for Sri Lanka with 22 crew members, collided with the bridge shortly after departing from the Port of Baltimore.
Rexha highlighted disparities in safety standards and crew qualifications between the US and other jurisdictions. He pointed out that while cargo ships continue to increase in size, crew sizes have been decreasing, leading to potential maintenance and operational issues.
Foreign vessels, which constitute the majority of cargo ships operating in US ports, often adhere to looser safety standards and lack adequate training compared to their US counterparts.
The Meba official expressed concerns over the crew composition of the Dali, with the majority reportedly lacking the stringent training standards upheld in the United States and some European countries.
An alarming report by the United Nations revealed a significant increase in cargo ship capacity over the past decade, coupled with a rise in safety incidents. This trend raises pertinent questions about the prioritization of safety in an industry that is witnessing rapid expansion.
Maersk, the charterer of the Dali, has been contacted for comment regarding the incident. The Danish shipping conglomerate faced scrutiny in 2023 when it was instructed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) to revise its policies following allegations of retaliation against employees who raised safety concerns.
As the maritime industry grapples with safety concerns, the spotlight remains on the need for concerted efforts to prioritize crew safety and uphold rigorous standards in global shipping operations.
Source:The Guardian
