It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ole Philipsen, Chair of the ITF Offshore Task Force and a long-standing member of the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee. Ole passed away after a short and sudden illness.
Ole served for almost 30 years as a respected leader within Dansk Metal, where he held the position of Head of the Seafaring Section (Metal Maritime). He was known for his deep commitment to improving the lives of seafarers, and he brought that same commitment, integrity, and sense of justice to his work across the ITF.
As Chair of the Offshore Task Force, Ole played a pivotal role in reshaping the ITF Offshore Programme. He ensured it was equipped to respond to the rapid global expansion of offshore wind development, and he was instrumental in securing decent wages, fair terms and strong protections for workers in the growing sustainable energy sector. His strategic foresight helped place offshore wind firmly within the trade union movement’s global priorities – ensuring that the transition to green energy must also mean a transition to good, union jobs.
Colleagues across the maritime world remember Ole not only for his leadership, but for his humanity, his calm strength, and his unwavering belief that workers’ rights must always come first.
Reflecting on his passing, Dansk Metal’s Christian Petersen said: “It is a huge loss for Metal Maritime and CO-Søfart, but also for the entire shipping industry, where Ole has left a huge mark throughout his long career.”
ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin paid tribute to Ole’s decades of service:
“Ole Philipsen has left a huge mark on our movement. He was a seafarer, an organiser, and a leader who understood that fairness for workers does not happen by accident – it is won through solidarity and persistence. The entire ITF family extends our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, to his colleagues at Dansk Metal, and to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel highlighted Ole’s unwavering commitment to maritime workers:
“Ole was a tireless champion for all seafarers, whether they were officers or ratings, and no matter where in the world they came from. His contribution to the Offshore Task Force and the Fair Practices Committee was invaluable. He never lost sight of the human beings behind every policy and every negotiation. His absence will be deeply felt in the Seafarers’ Section and throughout the global maritime community.”
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton added:
“Ole Philipsen was a true professional. As Chair of the ITF Offshore Task Force, he was determined to do his best for every seafarer operating in the offshore sector. It didn’t matter to him whether you were from a traditional maritime nation or from the Global South. He was deeply involved in defending the rights of seafarers serving on Danish-controlled ships in all aspects caring for officers and ratings alike. Ole will be profoundly missed by all in the ITF for his passion, his commitment, and his relentless hard work.”
We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Ole’s family of comrades, friends and trade union sisters and brothers in the hope it may ease in some way this great and sudden loss. Ole enjoyed the respect and great affection of all throughout the ITF for his warm and thoughtful personality, tireless work ethic, and pragmatic and consistent leadership particularly for seafarers and maritime workers in the offshore industry internationally, including the emerging offshore wind and transitional energy sector.
We mourn the loss of a dedicated leader and a true friend of the ITF. May he rest in peace.
