Charterer-owned risk manager RightShip is to work with UK charity Human Rights at Sea to protect crew welfare.
The two organisations said they had signed a long-term partnership agreement.
They pledged to continuously raise awareness of the implementation and accountability of human rights provisions in the sector with local, national and international stakeholders.
RightShips is owned by big bulker charterers Rio Tinto, Cargill and BHP.
Human Rights at Sea was established to engage stakeholders and regulators in the improvement of human rights policies and law and enforcement globally.
It works with partner charities, government departments and non-governmental organisations, but RightShip is the first commercial maritime industry organisation to officially engage with it.
RightShip brings "substantial safety, environmental and seafarer risk management expertise to the forefront of the partnership," the two sides said.
The company was in the news last week when it announced it was developing new safety guidelines for bulkers under its new Dry Bulk Management Standard scheme, which also involves shipowners.
Much to be done
Martin Crawford-Brunt, chief executive of RightShip said: "We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Human Rights at Sea.
"RightShip’s mission is to support the safety, security and welfare of seafarers in particular given the vital role they play in the facilitation of global trade."
He added: "There is much to be done to improve seafarer welfare, both during this pandemic and beyond. We are excited to work closely with the excellent and passionate team at Human Rights at Sea to make sure these important issues are front and centre in the minds of regulators and the industry."
David Hammond, CEO of Human Rights at Sea, added said he was delighted to be aligning with the emerging work and transparent focus being undertaken by RightShip in the field of human rights relating to maritime supply chains.
In 2019, Human Rights at Sea launched the first version of the ‘Geneva Declaration of Human Rights at Sea’, which is currently focusing on state-level engagement and eventual ratification within the United Nations system.
Once finalised, Human Rights at Sea and RightShip will mobilise a "concerted international effort" to end human rights abuses at sea.
