Modern Slavery in Liner Shipping: An Empirical Analysis of Corporate Statements

Abstract

Forced labour is a widespread risk for workers in the shipping industry. Traditional approaches to tackling the problem rely on the rules of flag state and port state jurisdiction, leaving a significant margin of political discretion in dealing with violations of labour rights. This article examines whether private enforcement mechanisms in the form of tort actions can play a role in securing the labour rights of workers and providing them with access to remedies. Following recent case law, it examines the possibility of enforcing the duty of care as stated in the company materials, in particular the growing number of corporate annual reports. The article relies on empirical material, consisting of the statements published by shipping companies under the UK Modern Slavery Act [MSA]. In addition to the descriptive observations on compliance, the study carries out a content analysis of the statements, seeking to identify the patterns of reporting and industry best practices. The final part of the article examines whether corporate undertakings as laid down in modern slavery statements can serve as grounds for tort liability. Based on the empirical data, the study concludes that the statements provide insufficient grounds for holding companies liable for labour rights violations. Modern Slavery, Forced Labour, Liner Shipping, Annual Reports, Published Materials, Private Enforcement, Supply Chain Liability