The All Aboard Alliance has launched Unspoken, a project to develop a global framework for companies to better identify, prevent, and respond to unwanted sexual behaviour aboard vessels. This initiative comes in response to the widespread issue of sexual misconduct at sea, which is significantly underreported. The Alliance aims to create a safe and respectful work environment for seafarers by addressing this pressing concern.
A 2025 report found that 80% of seafarers surveyed had experienced or witnessed a sexual offence at sea within the last five years alone. This staggering statistic highlights the need for effective measures to prevent and respond to such incidents. The lack of reporting is often attributed to fear, shame, and stigma associated with sexual misconduct in the maritime sector.
Unspoken will gather stories from seafarers about their personal experiences with sexual misconduct at sea. These stories will then inform the development of the industry’s first consistent, global framework for companies to better assess the severity of incidents and respond proportionately. By collecting and sharing these stories, the Alliance hopes to create a culture of transparency and accountability.
“Improving conditions for our seafaring teams means needing to confront some of the uncomfortable truths about the realities of life at sea. In doing so, we are working towards making the maritime sector a more attractive career path,” said Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia and All Aboard Alliance Co-Chair. This statement underscores the importance of addressing the issue of sexual misconduct in the maritime industry, not only for the well-being of seafarers but also for the sector's reputation and competitiveness.
Through Unspoken, seafarers can anonymously share parts or all of their personal stories, some of which will then be shared publicly on the website to showcase the scale of the issue and challenge the silence that often surrounds it. This approach aims to break down the barriers that prevent seafarers from reporting incidents, thereby creating a safer and more supportive work environment.
The data collected will help the Alliance better understand different forms of misconduct, how incidents are assessed and responded to, and how to strengthen prevention measures. By analyzing these data points, the Alliance can identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies to prevent future incidents.
Unspoken is an essential step towards creating a culture of respect and inclusivity in the maritime industry. As the sector continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial that companies prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees. By tackling the issue of sexual misconduct at sea, the All Aboard Alliance is taking a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The launch of Unspoken marks a turning point in the maritime industry's approach to addressing sexual misconduct at sea. As more seafarers come forward to share their stories, the industry will begin to shift its focus from silence and stigma to transparency and accountability. This shift is essential for creating a safer and more supportive work environment for all seafarers.
Ultimately, Unspoken has the potential to revolutionize the way companies respond to sexual misconduct at sea. By developing a global framework for assessment and response, the Alliance can help prevent future incidents and create a culture of respect and inclusivity in the maritime industry.
