The International Chamber of Shipping has expressed condolences on the passing of Maria Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, Secretary of Migrant Workers for the Department of Migrant Workers Philippines, who passed away aged 61.

Guy Platten, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping, has expressed his condolences to Secretary Ople’s family and friends, and his thanks and gratitude to Secretary Ople for her dedication to the seafarer workforce.

“First and foremost my thoughts go out to the friends, family and colleagues of Secretary Susan Ople at this difficult time.

Secretary Ople led with compassion and her work to support and advocate for seafarers will forever be remembered by the International Chamber of Shipping as well as many other groups and organisations. Secretary Ople played a central role in the formation of the International Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs, an advisory board made up of employers, shipowners, unions and the International Labour Organisation to give expert advice on major maritime issues affecting Filipino seafarers.

We will honour her legacy and her memory by continuing the work she was so passionate about; championing the rights of workers across the shipping industry.”