Ms Lydia Ferrad

ITF Accredited representative to IMO at International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

Speaker

Lydia Ferrad is the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Accredited Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where she leads the ITF delegation and represents the interests of seafarers in the development of international maritime regulations. She provides technical expertise on maritime safety, seafarer training and certification, emerging technologies, the human element, and seafarers' welfare, supporting the ITF's engagement across the IMO and other international forums.

Lydia's career combines operational, technical, trade unionism and policy experience across the maritime sector. She began her career at sea, serving for several years as a deck officer on a range of vessel types, with particular experience on LNG and LPG carriers. Alongside her seagoing career, she held leadership positions within the Algerian trade union movement, advocating for seafarers and promoting greater participation of women and young people in the maritime profession. She later worked as a maritime consultant and technical advisor before joining the ITF.

Her multidisciplinary academic background spans maritime affairs, navigational science, naval architecture and marine engineering, enabling her to bridge technical, operational and regulatory perspectives. She also serves on the World Maritime University Board of Governors, contributing to the strategic direction of one of the world's leading institutions for maritime education and research.

At the IMO, Lydia contributes to international negotiations and policy development across a broad range of maritime issues, with particular involvement in the modernisation of the STCW Convention, digitalisation, alternative fuels, maritime safety and the just transition for seafarers. She regularly works with governments, industry and international organisations to promote practical, human-centred solutions that enhance safety while ensuring that seafarers remain at the heart of the industry's transformation.