P&O Ferries: Hebblethwaite exit must mark a new chapter for seafarers' rights, Nautilus says

Nautilus International has responded to the news of Peter Hebblethwaite’s departure from P&O Ferries, stating that the focus must now be on cementing a new era of improved rights and protections for all maritime professionals.

 Mr. Hebblethwaite’s leadership will forever be defined by the company's decision in 2022 to illegally sack 786 of its dedicated seafarers without notice, an action that created universal condemnation and exposed critical weaknesses in UK employment law.

 Nautilus International has consistently campaigned for accountability and for robust legislative change to ensure such a scandal can never be repeated. The union views the overdue change in leadership as a moment to solidify the progress made on workers' rights.

 Martyn Gray, Nautilus International director of organising, said:

‘Peter Hebblethwaite's departure should conclude a shameful chapter for P&O Ferries. His legacy, however, is not one of failure, but of the absolute necessity for change it exposed.

 ‘The illegal sacking of 786 maritime professionals created an undeniable mandate for the Seafarers' Charter and stronger employment law. Our focus remains clear: ensuring these new protections are robustly enforced and that no other employer can ever treat its workforce with such contempt. This is the only meaningful legacy that matters.’

 Nautilus International urges the new leadership at P&O Ferries to commit to a future built on constructive and meaningful engagement with trade unions and a genuine respect for its workforce.

 The Union will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights and protections secured in the wake of the P&O Ferries scandal are upheld across the entire maritime industry.