The maritime transportation industry has been a truly international industry for centuries. It was further globalised in the early 1970s when the link between ship-owning nation and flag was broken. Within shipping there are more established international employee-employer relations than in land-based industries. Trade unions in shipping have formed global alliances and collective bargaining agreements have been established.

The maritime industry is based on a foundation of international regulations and conventions mainly regulated through UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and ILO. Port-state and Flag-state control and detention represent potential enforcement mechanisms.

CSR issues in shipping:

• Employees and their working environment
• Security
• Choice of flag
• Corruption
• Transparancy
• Local community involvement

Employees
Höegh LNG’s business and services are based on the qualifications and competence of its employees. The seafarers and safe operation of the vessels are considered vital parts of the services offered to its customers.

Competitive salaries, benefits and long-term commitments are measures used to care for the seafarers. From 2005 a global bonus plan was introduced including all employees ashore and on board. A number of rules and regulations regulate employment of seafarers:

ISM (International Safety Management code).

STCW 95 (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers as amended in 1995).

Flag state rules and conventions.

POEA (Philippines Overseas Employment Agency) regulations.

SMA (Shanghai Maritime Authority) regulations.

Various Collective Bargaining Agreements between unions and employer organisations.

Höegh LNG goes beyond the requirements with activities including such as added training courses, extended pre-employment medical package, insurance package for seafarers and their family (apply to Filipinos) and conference programs. HFS’ conference program includes technical conferences, crew conferences and officers’ conferences.

In the Philippines separate programmes are arranged for the seafarers’ spouses and families on e.g. financial matters and medical issues. In addition, social gatherings for the seafarers with their families are arranged annually.