Nautilus International Welcomes Significant Stena Line Pay Investment in Maritime Professionals

22 August 2026 — Nautilus International, the union representing maritime professionals, has welcomed significant pay improvements announced by ferry operator Stena Line.

The revised salary arrangements represent a substantial commitment to the company's seafaring workforce and recognise the skills, experience and professionalism of maritime employees, the union said. Stena Line has identified workforce retention, continuity and stability as key priorities underpinning the changes.

Nautilus International is a trade union and professional organisation representing seafarers and other maritime professionals in the UK, the Netherlands and internationally. It was formed in 2009 through the merger of the UK union NUMAST and its Dutch counterpart, Nautilus NL. Stena Line, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, is one of the world's largest ferry operators, with routes connecting the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and continental Europe, and forms part of the family-owned Stena AB group, whose businesses span shipping, drilling, property and finance.

Speaking on behalf of Nautilus International, Micky Smyth, Head of Industrial, said: "This represents significant movement by Stena Line and reflects a clear commitment to recognising the skill, dedication and professionalism of its workforce.

"At a time when parts of the ferry sector continue to feel the impact of decisions that have undermined employment standards, it is important to recognise employers who choose to invest in their people. Strong terms and conditions help support recruitment, retention and long-term sustainability across the industry."

Gray's subsequent remarks referred to the continuing debate over employment standards in UK shipping, which intensified in March 2022 when P&O Ferries dismissed around 800 UK-based seafarers without notice and replaced them with agency staff — a decision that drew widespread criticism and prompted parliamentary and regulatory scrutiny. The episode was followed by the UK's Seafarers' Wages Act 2023, which received Royal Assent in May 2023 and requires operators of services calling at UK ports at least 120 times a year to pay seafarers working on those routes at least an equivalent to the National Minimum Wage, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency overseeing compliance.

Martyn Gray, Director of Organising, added: "The events surrounding P&O Ferries fundamentally changed the conversation about employment standards in the maritime sector. Seafarers and the wider public expect companies to value maritime skills, experience and professionalism.

"This announcement demonstrates a different approach. It reflects a commitment to investing in people and reaffirming the vital contribution made by domestic maritime professionals. That is good for workers, good for safety and good for the long-term future of the UK maritime sector."

Nautilus International believes that sustainable success in shipping depends on skilled, professional and properly rewarded maritime workers. The union said it will continue to advocate for policies and practices that strengthen employment standards and support a thriving UK maritime workforce, as operators implement the statutory wage requirements and as the industry continues to focus on attracting and retaining skilled crews.

Source: Nautilus International, published in International Shipping News by Hellenic Shipping News, 22/08/2026.