Governments in the Nordic countries must ensure an overview of and control over the needs for recruitment and manning of engineer officers in the navy, as well as in the merchant and fishing fleets.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Nordic Engineer Officers’ Federation in Helsinki on April 23–24, there was broad agreement among the delegates to call on politicians to safeguard supply lines.

There is a significant shortage of seafarers in the Nordic countries, which means that critical infrastructure may be challenged, posing a threat to both our independence and our very existence.

Engineer officers’ competencies play a key role in the implementation of alternative fuels and new technologies, while also contributing to the protection of the surrounding environment.

Given the growing need for a qualified maritime workforce, engineer officers represent an essential societal resource. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain adequate workplace safety for all seafarers, so they can return home safely to their families.

The Nordic Engineer Officers’ Federation calls on the governments of the Nordic countries to create predictable frameworks to address this threat.