Flag state policies and labour dynamics in the shipping industry

Abstract

This paper focuses on the problem of state policies and labour dynamics in the shipping industry by applying a system dynamics methodology. Traditional flag states, such as Greece, has been facing serious problems with regard to its national shipping policy, that is to say, the flagging out from the Greek flag towards open registries and the depletion of the Greek maritime workforce during the last decades. Its response, in terms of state policies, has so far met with little success. This is largely due to the complex dynamic nature of state intervention and protectionist policies, which makes it extremely difficult to achieve the desired effects. This work is still in progress and this paper presents an initial approach to the problem, as well as some insights gained.