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SEASCAPES IS BACK

It is quite a few years since I left RTE and it is still the radio programme for which I am most remembered, which is always pleasant to be told! It is not just in maritime locations where that happens, urban too. There is, I believe, a general and genuine interest in the marine sphere. I have always hoped and tried to unite this interest. The first edition of my new monthly Podcast, 15-minutes long, features a trio of maritime voices. It will be issued on the 15th of each month. Why not listen just now here on the website?

€6.5 Billion turnover and resilient growth  

The Marine Institute, in partnership with the University of Galway’s Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU), has published the latest report on the performance of Ireland’s ocean economy, providing a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s economic contributions and trends. The report reveals that Ireland’s ocean economy achieved a turnover of €6.5 billion in 2023, contributing €2.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supporting approximately 39,000 jobs. The vessel pictured above, at sea off Kerry is just one example of what is being achieved in the sector. This is the new Naval Reserve vessel, Fionnghuala, built at Valenita by FM Marine Services, the family business headed by Managing Director, Fionán Murphy. It is the first Naval vessel built in Ireland in 40 years and, on the January Seascapes Podcast, he tells me how his compancy achieved this contract and the further plans it has for develpment. It is an example of what is being achieved by the maritime sector in Ireland, through the dedication of the people involved.

FIONAN MURPHY AT FM MARINE SERVICES VALENTIA ISLAND

The Marine Institute’s report says that, over the five-year period from 2019 (pre-COVID) to 2023, turnover increased by 20%, GVA rose by 31%, and employment grew by 8%, demonstrating the resilience and steady expansion of the country’s marine industries. While the overall turnover and GVA showed moderate declines between 2022 and 2023, eight out of 13 marine sectors experienced growth, reflecting a robust post-pandemic recovery. Sectors such as Shipping, Sea Fisheries, Aquaculture, Seafood Processing, and the Gas industry faced specific challenges contributing to declines, but the broader trends point to a period of adaptation and innovation.

Alone for a year on a 19-foot plywood boat

Pictured here is Jakub Ziemkiewiczwho at the moment is at sea alone, somewhere between Lanzarote and Antigua racing in a 19-foot plywood yacht which he built at home in Aghada in East Cork. The photograph was taken before he started on a race which will take more than a year – and 26,000 nautical miles around the world. He is another example of the determination and dedication amongst the maritime community – and he is from Poland originally, has spent 20 years in Ireland, was part of the fishing industry and has called his boat BIBI of Cork and he flies the Irish Tricolour, because he is the only entrant from Ireland in what is described by Race Organiser, Australian adventurer and explorer Don McIntyre who, with plenty of hyperbole, describes it as “A world-first event never attempted before, a historic extreme challenge…” This is the Mini-Globe Race. Jakub is another interviewee on the January Podcast.

This photogrph shows another determined maritime figure – Sailmaker Barry Hayes, who took over the former UK McWilliams sailmaking business in Crosshaven. The marine signal cannon in the photograph he built over two years and tells me why on this month’s Podcast. Another great story of marine determination.

SEAFARERS USED AS SCAPEGOATS

The world would soon come to a grinding halt if airline crews were treated in the same way as mariners, who are subjected to unfair criminalisation, according to the Chief Executive of the Nautical Institute, the international organisation for maritime professionals which claims 7,000 members in 110 countries. It has consultative status at the UN agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Addressing the topic of ‘Fairness and Integrity’ in the Institute’s monthly journal, Seaways, the Chief Executive, Captain John Lloyd,  says it is “still seeing incidents of the unfair criminalisation of seafarers, who are used as scapegoats in several parts of the world.”

It cannot be right, the CEO states, that mariners are detained without evidence or cause when going about their duties professionally.

“The world would soon come to a grinding halt of airline crews were treated in the same way. It is time that more respect is shown to maritime industry key workers.”

The Nautical Institute, which has an Irish branch, is taking a stand against the criminalisation of seafarers which is becoming a serious problem caused by the action of various States, which Captain Lloyd describes as “a sad reflection on the wider community and a key issue in many parts of the world.”

The Institute says it will work with other leading stakeholders to “wrestle with this important issue and combat the growing trend of false accusation, false conviction and unfair treatment.”

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers worldwide is also tackling what it has described as “the unfair treatment of seafarers following incidents and suspected maritime crimes.

“Criminalisation is one of the most serious problems facing seafarers today. When there has been a maritime accident or a pollution infringement, seafarers have often been detained and denied access to normal rules of fair play and justice with which to defend themselves against criminal charges. In recent years seafarers are also increasingly being detained as suspects of maritime crimes, such as smuggling of illicit cargo, or anchoring illegally whilst awaiting clearance for port entry.”

It has published a guide giving an overview of criminalisation issues and what seafarers can do if they face investigation

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