Nautilus International verwelkomt aanzienlijke investering van Stena Line in maritieme professionals

22 augustus 2026 — Nautilus International, de vakbond die maritieme professionals vertegenwoordigt, heeft de door veerbootoperator Stena Line aangekondigde aanzienlijke salarisverbeteringen verwelkomd.

De herziene salarisregelingen vormen een substantiële inzet voor het varend personeel van het bedrijf en erkennen de vaardigheden, ervaring en professionaliteit van maritieme werknemers, aldus de vakbond. Stena Line heeft personeelsbehoud, continuïteit en stabiliteit aangemerkt als kernprioriteiten die aan de wijzigingen ten grondslag liggen.

Nautilus International is een vakbond en beroepsorganisatie die zeelieden en andere maritieme professionals vertegenwoordigt in het VK, Nederland en internationaal. De organisatie werd in 2009 opgericht door de fusie van de Britse vakbond NUMAST en haar Nederlandse tegenhanger, Nautilus NL. Stena Line, met hoofdkantoor in Göteborg, Zweden, is een van ’s werelds grootste veerbootoperators, met routes tussen het VK, Ierland, Scandinavië en continentaal Europa, en maakt deel uit van de familie-eigendom Stena AB-groep, waarvan de activiteiten zich uitstrekken over scheepvaart, boren, vastgoed en financiën.

Namens Nautilus International zei Micky Smyth, Head of Industrial: "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.

Einde. Bron: Nautilus International
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