Strengthening protection against violence and harassment at sea
MHT's national research on bullying and harassment in the Danish merchant fleet (Froholdt et al., 2023) documented the prevalence, consequences and risk factors associated with violence, bullying and harassment at sea. The findings demonstrated the need for stronger preventive measures and greater protection of seafarers.
The research formed part of the evidence base for subsequent amendments to Danish maritime legislation, introducing the possibility for courts to prohibit individuals convicted of serious violent or sexual offences from serving on Danish-flagged vessels. The legislative changes in 2025 represent an important step towards creating safer and more secure workplaces at sea and demonstrate how research can inform national policy and improve occupational safety.
Advancing the psychological work environment at sea
MHT's research has also helped place mental health and the psychosocial work environment firmly on the maritime agenda. Through large-scale studies of the Danish fleet, MHT has documented the importance of psychosocial working conditions for mental health.
This evidence has contributed to the implementation of strengthened regulatory requirements concerning the psychological work environment in the maritime sector. The legislation in 2026 reinforces employers' responsibility to systematically prevent psychosocial risks, including bullying, harassment and other factors affecting mental health, thereby promoting healthier and safer workplaces for seafarers.
Research Creating Societal Impact
These legislative developments demonstrate how independent university research can contribute directly to improving working conditions, strengthening occupational health and safety, and supporting evidence-informed policy and legislative development. MHT's research continues to bridge academia, industry and government, ensuring that new knowledge is translated into tangible improvements for the maritime sector and society as a whole.
Overall Societal Value
The societal value of MHT can be summarised as follows:
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Societal Impact |
Examples |
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Improved working environment and health |
Research on working conditions, the psychosocial work environment and occupational health at sea contributes to the prevention of occupational injuries, bullying, harassment and poor mental health. MHT's research provided an important evidence base for the new Danish legislation on the psychosocial work environment at sea, which entered into force on 1 July 2026. |
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Evidence for decision-makers |
MHT's national research report on bullying, harassment and violence in the Danish merchant fleet has been used in dialogue between government authorities, industry organisations and labour market stakeholders. The research contributed to amendments to the Danish maritime safety legislation and to the implementation of eight national industry initiatives aimed at preventing and managing bullying and harassment. |
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Knowledge for the maritime sector |
MHT's research findings and recommendations are used by shipping companies, maritime education institutions, public authorities and professional organisations to strengthen occupational health, safety, leadership and education. |
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International recognition and collaboration |
MHT contributes to international research, policy development and knowledge exchange in maritime health, safety and Human Factors through collaboration with international organisations, universities and the maritime industry. |
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Technological innovation and advisory services |
MHT develops and applies Human Factors and safety analyses that support the implementation of emerging technologies and green energy solutions, including battery-electric vessels, alternative fuels and digitalisation, with the aim of improving safety, health and sustainability at sea. |
In summary, MHT delivers research-based knowledge and recommendations that improve the working lives of maritime professionals while supporting more robust decision-making in industry and public policy, thereby creating broad societal value.
MHT contributes directly to three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
MHT: Climate, Gender and Capacity Building
MHT actively contributes to Denmark's climate ambitions through research supporting the green transition of the maritime sector. In a current research project, MHT is investigating operational processes on battery-electric ferries to identify the cognitive demands associated with navigation and decision-making. The objective is to optimise vessel operations and energy efficiency by improving the interaction between technology, operational procedures and human performance.
The safe and efficient operation of battery-electric ferries is a prerequisite for reducing CO鈧� emissions from domestic ferry transport and thereby contributing to Denmark's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% as well as its long-term climate neutrality ambitions. MHT's research ensures that technological innovation is translated into real climate benefits without compromising safety, health or the working environment.
MHT's recent research on gender demonstrates that diversity crewing is about far more than recruiting more women or minority groups into the maritime sector. It is about securing the future maritime workforce by creating inclusive, professional and psychologically safe working environments where diversity is recognised as a strategic strength rather than a challenge. Furthermore, increased recruitment of women into seafaring highlights the growing need for research on women's health at sea—an area that has only recently become relevant because of changes in workforce composition.
The maritime sector is currently undergoing two major transformations: digitalisation and decarbonisation. Diversity crewing is emerging as a third strategic transformation—a social and cultural modernisation of working life at sea. Without this dimension, the sector risks labour shortages, reduced innovation capacity and diminished legitimacy in a society that increasingly expects responsible employment practices and inclusive workplaces. MHT's research demonstrates that achieving this transformation requires long-term cultural change, strong leadership commitment and structural adjustments to organisational practices and work processes. MHT therefore contributes not only to gender equality but also to ensuring a resilient, attractive and internationally competitive Danish maritime industry.
At the same time, MHT strengthens capacity building for new energy technologies by developing knowledge on the safe management of both routine operations and potential emergency situations, including fire safety and risk scenarios associated with battery technologies. This contributes to organisational resilience and to the responsible implementation of green technologies. MHT also supports capacity building within maritime education through collaborative research projects and by disseminating research findings to maritime academies and training institutions.
Through these activities, MHT supports Denmark's climate agenda, promotes health and safety at sea, and strengthens Denmark's position as a leading maritime nation in the sustainable transition.
Without a focus on Human Factors, the green transition risks becoming technologically successful—but operationally insufficient.