The land-based jobs market for seafarers: Consequences of market imbalance and policy implications

Concern has existed for some time that the decline of the British shipping industry is resulting in the UK economy losing its maritime skills base. The effects of this loss could extend beyond the shipping industry because former seafarers are employed in other maritime related businesses besides shipping ashore. A study undertaken during 1995 and 1996 identified the economy’s requirement for people with seafaring experience in land based jobs and assessed the consequences of a shortfall in supply of seafarers to fill such jobs. This paper is mainly concerned with the supply aspects and policy implications of that study.     

Ex-seafarers shore-based employment: the current UK situation

The decline of the British shipping industry has had a significant impact on those sectors of the UK economy which have traditionally relied on ex-seafarers as a source of skilled labour. An in-depth study of the impacts of this problem was undertaken in 2003 to consider the implications of developments which have taken place in the industry since 1996. The UK economy's requirement for people with seafaring experience to fill land-based jobs was assessed, together with the implications of any shortfall. This paper considers the demand aspects of changes which have occurred since 1996.     

Bridging islands and calming seas: A material flow management approach to sustainable sea transportation for Fiji's lower southern Lau islands

The relatively remote and geographically isolated lower southern Lau islands of Fiji rely on maritime transportation for their economic success and social wellbeing. This paper explores the feasibility of implementing a Material Flow Management (MFM) framework to sustainable shipping and the possibilities for addressing the socio-economic development needs of the relevant island communities. The research question is: how can a regional MFM framework for hybrid powered maritime vessels be implemented effectively to promote ecological quality improvements and local added value for Fiji's lower southern Lau islands? The mixed methods research uses a quasi-experimental design, with most data collected on site during a March 2015 field study of the lower southern Lau route. The findings are applied to a tailor-made MFM framework that demonstrate the viability and effectiveness in achieving seven key aims: (1) activate regional potential; (2) increase system efficiency; (3) decrease operating costs; (4) create stakeholder network; (5) create and maintain jobs; (6) support innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and (7) create sustainable economy/society. The results validate the MFM framework as a potential model of sustainable sea transport for this particular route that can be expanded upon for other domestic and regional shipping routes. The author concludes that further research and the development of pertinent socio-economic indicators based on these findings will support a more robust MFM model as it applies to sustainable sea transport.     

The role of the maritime industry in the Korean national economy: an input–output analysis

Environmental changes at home and abroad as well as rapid advancement in ocean technology are calling for a great shift in the perception of the maritime industry and for new policy measures. This situation demands that researchers provide policy-makers with accessible and reliable information regarding the role of the maritime industry. This study employs input–output (I–O) analysis to examine the role of the maritime industry in the national economy for the period 1975–1998, with specific application to Korea. This paper, therefore, has two major goals. The first is the development of a static I–O framework for examining the role of the maritime industry in the short run. The second goal is obtaining at least a preliminary indication of the role of the maritime industry. This study pays particular attention to the maritime industry by taking the industry as exogenous and then investigating its economic impacts. Finally, we present the results, which address inter-industry linkage effects in 32 sectors, production-inducing effects, employment-inducing effects, supply-shortage effects of the maritime sector and pervasive effects of price change in the maritime sector.     

An index to assess maritime importance in the European Atlantic economy

Successive marine policies set by the European Union identify the maritime sectors as crucial drivers for growth and jobs in the EU economy. The design of marine policies and the assessment of the importance of the maritime economy need empirical support that provides the basic data to help the decision-making process. This paper proposes a metric, in the form of a synthetic index, to measure and compare the importance of the maritime sectors in the European Atlantic area. The index scores can be used to assess the position of each Atlantic region so that it is possible to compare its performance to the rest of the area. The results show the relative weight of the maritime sectors in the European Atlantic regions and the high heterogeneity among them. Analyzing the maritime economy with this index can provide guidance for the design of economic policies to identify and revitalize the regions with greater potential for Blue Growth in the Atlantic area. This may help to put into perspective the importance of the maritime economy and can serve to improve the socio-economic dimension of the use of marine waters.     

The policy implications of market failure for the land-based jobs market for British seafarers

People with seafaring experience and skills are employed in the maritime sector of the UK economy in land-based jobs as well as in seagoing ones. This paper examines the balance of supply and demand in the land-based jobs market. It then considers the likely effects of a shortfall in the supply of British ships’ officers to fill net vacancies in jobs ashore, including the policy implications of this and the consequences for the economy's maritime skills base if the Government fails to act decisively now to correct market failure.     

Environmental issues with Australian ports

Ports and shipping operations are under increased environmental scrutiny in Australia, particularly as so many of Australia's ports and shipping routes are located in or near major environmentally sensitive areas. The environmental risks involved have been highlighted by the publicity given to shipping accidents. Environmental regulations over aspects of port operations, including ballast water management, dredge spoil and waste reception, are also becoming stricter. While port authorities have adopted stringent environmental guidelines, they remain concerned that the full impact of proposed new environmental regulations on maritime industry may not be fully understood. This paper discusses some of the issues involved with achieving a balance between environmental protection and the need to recognise the importance of seaborne trade to Australia and to maintain Australia's competitiveness in international trade.     

Employment of seafarers in the EU context: Challenges and opportunities

The EU is the leading maritime power with approximately 3 million people in total working in its thriving maritime industries. It is the aim of the present paper to examine the status of the EU-registered and -controlled fleet, provide an overview of contemporary forces in the shipping business, which affect employment of EU seafarers, and discuss principal EU initiatives in support of the competitiveness of the EU shipping and employment opportunities for EU nationals in it. Among the issues under consideration will be the role and effect of third party flags, cost considerations, the maritime cluster effect, and regulatory burdens.     

The global potential for whale watching

Whaling as a commercial enterprise is now defunct, not least due to the moratorium placed on it by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) almost 20 years ago. However, two distinct groups, one in favor of ‘sustainable’ whaling and one completely opposed to any killing of whales, continue to argue at the IWC and other political arenas. Almost ignored in this debate is the current growth of the whale watching industry, a logical alternative use for whale populations. Based on ecological and socio-economic criteria, the potential for whale watching is estimated for maritime countries that do not currently engage in this industry. Results suggest that whale watching could generate an additional 413 million USD (2009) in yearly revenue, supporting 5,700 jobs. Together with current global estimates, this would bring the total potential for the whale watching industry to over 2.5 billion USD in yearly revenue and about 19,000 jobs around the world. These results are discussed from an economic and conservation policy perspective, with emphasis on potential benefits and limitations.     

The strength of Malaysian maritime cluster: The development of maritime policy

A comprehensive maritime industry policy that can be adequately monitored to achieve a competitive advantage is important. The Malaysian maritime industry comprises multifaceted sectors that are governed by fragmented governmental agencies. In this research, we investigated the Malaysian maritime industry cluster comprising three main sectors: Shipping, Ship Industry, Ports and Terminals. The Strength Indicator Model has been developed to reveals the maritime industry cluster. We find that the Competitions, Locations, Connections, Government and Chances factors affect the capability of the Malaysian maritime industry cluster. The result of this study will give a framework for Regulatory bodies and the various stakeholders to support the Malaysia maritime industry progressing toward a more competitive and sustainable development of the industry with the aim to become the developed maritime nation.     

The liberalization of shipping in Taiwan

Maritime transport has become well developed in Taiwan, which is located in the western Pacific Rim. Following the model of traditional maritime nations, Taiwan's government enacted some shipping-friendly measures to help the industry in its early expansion stage. Nevertheless, government authorities have taken actions to liberalize the operations of the maritime-transport sector over the past 10 years. This paper focuses on how the liberalization measures were proposed and implemented including the process and reasons behind the formulation of governmental policies, the interaction between domestic shipping operators and the government. In addition, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the liberalization policy's impact on domestic maritime transport operators.     

Maritime clusters: What can be learnt from the South West of England

The South West of England is a very extensive region, with constraints in terms of its transport network. It is imperative if the region is to optimise its economic development for transport services to fully utilise all transport modes, not least, short sea shipping. To achieve this objective will require, inter alia, investment in the region’s port infrastructure. The result of this study suggests that each South West port provides a hub to develop a small maritime cluster which provides some sort of platform for marine and maritime related activities or businesses to co-ordinate and communicate. In addition, the region is well placed geographically in relation to a number of other European Union countries, with which to develop seaborne trade links. If this can be supported both by the development of coastal shipping links between regional ports and the incremental capability of rail and road transport within the region, then substantial increased economic activity for the region could result. Moreover, it would be beneficial if the region’s ports could act as a maritime cluster, optimising the contribution each port can make. This in no way would preclude healthy competition between the ports.     

A survey of the legal and policy framework for controlling,compensating and criminalizing ship-source pollution in Hong Kong

Hong Kong (HK) has enacted laws providing: (1) Regimes that address pollution prevention responsibilities for parties involved in shipping activities to ensure that ships used in HK waters comply with applicable rules and standards; (2) civil damages remedy for wrongful death, personal injury or property damage caused by an environmental incident; and (3) a system of penalties to address the rare cases where the behavior of the polluter is considered intolerable and must be punished as a criminal offence. Being acquainted with this legal and policy framework is of beneficial interest for the maritime industry in HK. This article first summarizes the existing general legal framework, and later presents the results of an empirical study to determine what repercussions there could be within the HK maritime industry as a result of these laws and policies being applied in cases that result in civil liability compensation and criminal charges. The empirical research demonstrates that the laws and policies are in general sufficient and effective, but that flaws still remain in the limitation of liability scheme, as well as uncertainties as to which particular kinds of environmental violations should result in either civil or criminal enforcement. To address these concerns, it is first suggested that HK should impose greater liability in areas where prior law provided insufficient liability, as this will act as a more potent deterrent; and second, that HK should clearly delineate an appropriate role for criminal enforcement in the environmental regulatory scheme, so as to lessen concerns about over-criminalization.     

Social responsibility in shipping

This paper discusses the effects of competition in shipping, noting recent gains for the consumers of shipping services, a variety of strategies for investors in shipping and some of the effects on seamen. The dangers of monopolistic effects in ports are described and there is a discussion of the externalities involved in maritime safety, including pollution. The current regulatory regime, particularly the involvement of classification societies, is criticised and it is suggested that lessons can be learnt from other industries.     

我国沿海地区海洋经济竞争力评价分析

党的十九大报告提出加快建设海洋强国,海洋经济发展状况是建设海洋强国的直接体现。为了解沿海11个省、市、自治区海洋经济竞争力的强弱以及海洋科技实力等因素对海洋经济竞争力的贡献作用,文章采用主成分分析法构建了海洋经济规模、海洋产业发展水平、海洋科技实力、海洋环境保护能力4个二级指标、海洋生产总值等27个三级指标的海洋经济竞争力指标体系,对我国沿海11个省、市、自治区的海洋经济竞争力进行了研究。研究发现,广东、山东、上海三地的海洋经济综合实力最强,其中海洋科技实力对海洋经济竞争力的贡献最大。     

Shifting challenges for British maritime policy: A post-war review

Although Britain may no longer “rule the waves” in terms of national fleet presence, London still maintains its supremacy as the world's leading maritime centre. However, with the decline of the fleet there has been an inevitable decline in the maritime skills-base and a loss of shipping expertise. The authors review half a century of government maritime policy measures and of recurrent challenges confronted with varying degrees of success, and identify the current period as critical for the future of London as a maritime centre and as a crossroads in British maritime policy.     

重大风险事件下涉海企业风险溢出效应研究

伴随海洋产业与现代金融业的深度融合，资本市场已成为涉海企业投融资的重要渠道。然而当今世界重大风险事件频发，对资本市场造成强烈冲击，同时加速风险在资本市场的积累与蔓延，对涉海企业带来重大影响，损害海洋产业链供应链的安全与稳定。在此背景下，研究重大风险事件发生时期涉海企业间的风险溢出特征，挖掘不同产业板块间的风险溢出效应，有助于建立高效的风险防控及预警机制，提升海洋产业链供应链的韧性和安全水平，推动海洋经济的高质量增长。文章利用基于TVP-VAR模型的溢出指数法，对属于渔业、海油、海运及船舶产业板块的涉海企业间的风险溢出效应进行分析，并构建风险溢出网络进行拓扑特征分析。实证结果表明：涉海企业对同属产业板块企业的风险溢出强度最大；从产业角度看，渔业及海运产业是风险净接收者，海油及船舶产业是风险净溢出者；风险溢出效应具有时变特征，涉海企业的总体风险溢出指数在重大风险事件冲击下会呈现显著上升趋势；相较于无重大风险事件发生时期，风险溢出网络在重大风险事件发生时期的平均聚类系数更大，即涉海企业在网络中的连接更为紧密，风险流转效率更高。     

Using input–output methods to assess the effects of fishing and aquaculture on a regional economy: The case of Galicia,Spain

This paper uses an input–output model to quantify the socioeconomic impact of fishing and aquaculture on Galicia, one of Spain's most important maritime regions. Results indicate that the carryover effects of these production activities are important for Galicia's economy because they contribute not only to job creation but also to possibilities for obtaining income in other economic sectors. These sectors’ combined production in 2013 was almost a million euros, and that production was estimated to account for nearly 2% of the regional economy's value added and for more than 17,000 full-time jobs. Together these contributions amounted to some €1.7 billion in production and €975 million in value added to other Galician economic activities. At the same time, fishing and aquaculture were responsible for creating the equivalent of more than 14,000 full-time jobs in other economic activities.     

Asia and IMO technical cooperation

Asia is an important maritime region and plays a key role in international shipping. However, its countries vary significantly in terms of maritime infrastructure, management and resources, and needs external assistance to overcome obstacles to meet global technical requirements and standards. This paper discusses the assistance provided by the International Maritime Organization in support of the efforts of developing countries to strengthen the reliability and performance of their maritime activities.     

A decision-making system to maritime risk assessment

In this study, we propose a fuzzy approach in order to evaluate the maritime risk assessment applied to safety at sea and more particularly, the pollution prevention on the open sea. The work is based on the decision-making system, named MARISA, presented in Balmat et al. (2009). This system allowed defining a risk factor for each ship according to ship’s characteristics and weather conditions. In this novel paper, the proposed system takes into account the ship speed evolution and the ship position with respect to maritime shipping lanes is developed. To validate the method, we present an example of results with real data.