My Harassment Free Ship

Workplace harassment, which may be defined broadly as threatening, belittling or abusive behaviour in the workplace is an unfortunately widespread issue across all industries, and the maritime industry is no exception. In its latest 2023-24 Annual Review, the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported a 25.6% increase in reports of discrimination and harassment. Discrimination and harassment was also one of the top five issues raised by seafarers. Over a prolonged period, workplace harassment can lead to negative consequences such as feelings of demotivation and poor mental health.  

We enforce a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and discrimination onboard all of our vessels in order to combat workplace harassment. We are committed to promoting decent and fair employment conditions, and treating all of our workers fairly and without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, gender, age, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, or any status protected by law. Our Code of Conduct applies to all seafarers, and prohibits behaviour which may be seen as threating or degrading. The overarching aim of our policies is to promote respect for all the people we work with.

If our seafarers encounter bullying or harassment in the workplace, there are several different avenues to raise their concerns. While they are still onboard, the vessel’s Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is responsible for working with the seafarer, vessel and vessel manager in resolving the seafarer’s grievances. Seafarers who may not feel comfortable in raising their concerns while still onboard may approach their manning centres after signing off to report their concerns. We ensure that all seafarers are aware of the methods of recourse available to them during pre-joining and post-contract briefings.


We also take steps to ensure that mental health support is made easily accessible to our seafarers. Our health and safety management systems and health campaigns emphasize the importance of mental health. Contact details for external lines of support, such as ISWAN and Mission to Seafarers, are also provided to seafarers. 

Last but not least, seafarers may raise their concerns via the Wilhelmsen Group’s whistleblowing channel. The channel is anonymous, written in plain English with multiple language options, and retaliation against whistleblowers is explicitly prohibited. 

Combatting discrimination and harassment in the workplace is one of our material concerns. In conjunction with the IMO’s Day of the Seafarer 2025, we stand with the international maritime community in pushing back against discrimination and harassment, and promoting safer and healthier workplaces for our seafarers.