Daria Minchenko*
Oleg Stets**
Rights of Seafarers and Shore Personnel: Emerging Trends and Ongoing Challenges
Suggested citation:
Minchenko, D., & Stets, O. (2025). Rights of Seafarers and Shore Personnel: Emerging Trends and Ongoing Challenges. Lex Portus, 11(5), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.62821/lp11502
Published online: 30.11.2025
*PhD in Law, Associate Professor, National University Odesa Law Academy (23, Fontanska Doroha St., Odesa, Ukraine)
**Doctor of Law, Professor, Kryvyi Rih Educational and Scientific Institute, National University Odesa Law Academy (22, Myru Ave., Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)
ABSTRACT
The article explores recent initiatives by international organizations and national governments to protect the rights of seafarers and port workers. Recent developments in seafarers’ labour rights and wellbeing, and their recognition as “key workers” under the 2025 updates to the Maritime Labour Convention, have increased attention to the like rights of port personnel. The discussion emphasizes the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECHR) case law concerning seafarers and its significance in understanding jurisdictional practices and holding States accountable for ship crew mistreatment and environmental violations. Special focus is made on how protecting seafarers’ human rights intersects with the enforcement of environmental policies in the shipping industry.
Keywords: maritime industry, shipping, human rights, seafarers, court rulings, ECHR case law, “key workers”, port operations, green transition, environmental rights.
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