Georgia has officially ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which will come into force for the country on February 14, 2025.

This step aligns Georgia with international standards for ensuring the welfare of seafarers. As the 105th country to ratify the MLC, Georgia reinforces its commitment to improving working and living conditions for seafarers, particularly for those employed on Georgian-flagged ships.

Key aspects of the MLC's implementation in Georgia include:

1.         Enhanced Seafarers' Rights: The ratification will ensure better employment conditions, wages, hours of work and rest, access to medical care, and improved onboard living standards.

2.         Alignment with International Standards: Georgia's maritime legislation, such as its Maritime Code, will work in harmony with the MLC to govern working conditions and rights on ships flying its flag.

3.         Support for Implementation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has pledged to assist Georgia in fully implementing the Convention, ensuring compliance and promoting better partnerships within the maritime industry.

This move also supports Georgia's broader goals of improving maritime safety and aligning its regulations with European standards under its Association Agreement with the EU. The country has been making significant efforts to bolster its maritime labour framework, which is crucial given its strategic role in global shipping and trade routes

Danica CEO, Capt Henrik Jensen, said: “This is good news for Georgian seafarers.”