Nautilus International has elected Sascha Meijer as its new General Secretary, marking a leadership transition after 17 years under Mark Dickinson.
Meijer brings 26 years of trade union experience and 11 years of maritime industry involvement. Trained as a lawyer, she has worked on national and international negotiations, collective bargaining agreements and maritime union representation within European social dialogue involving the European Commission and European shipowners.
She joined Nautilus International in 2015 as Senior National Secretary before being elected Vice Chair of the Netherlands branch in 2017. In 2024, she became Assistant General Secretary.
In her first statement as General Secretary, Meijer said Nautilus International remains one union with one purpose: standing alongside its members.
She emphasised that maritime professionals are key workers and that strong national fleets are essential to countries’ autonomy and security. She also highlighted the need for better jobs, improved work-life balance and stronger recruitment and retention across the maritime sector.
Meijer takes office during a particularly challenging period for seafarers, with crews facing serious risks in the Middle East due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
She said the safety of members operating in dangerous waters is an absolute priority and that the union will continue working on their behalf for as long as the situation requires.
Nautilus International is monitoring developments closely and providing support to affected members, including guidance on contractual rights, liaison with shipowners and coordination with governments, flag states and international bodies.
The union represents members in the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland, including seafarers, dredgers, inland waterways professionals and shore-based maritime workers.
Wilco van Hoboken, Chair of the Council of Nautilus International, said the Council unanimously supported Meijer’s nomination, reflecting strong confidence in her leadership.
