One of the world’s largest seafood companies is committing to connect fishing crews to the internet at no cost, in a bid to reduce isolation and strengthen worker protections across its global supply chain.
Thai Union Group, a Bangkok-based seafood producer, says it will equip fishing vessels with free Wi-Fi, targeting the long-distance boats where crew members can spend weeks or months at sea, cut off from family and support networks.
The company has set a target of having 50 per cent of its sourced long-distance tuna vessels enabled with Wi-Fi access by the end of 2026, rising to 75 per cent by 2028.
Why it matters for worker welfare
The initiative addresses a gap that labour advocates have long flagged in distant-water fishing: the near-total communication blackout experienced by crew members on extended voyages. Thai Union says that access to reliable communication can help workers stay in touch with family, access essential information, and report grievances more easily.
Adam Brennan, the company’s chief sustainability officer, said the commitment reflects how technology can support worker empowerment.
“Delivering free Wi-Fi access is a tangible step towards improving their daily lives, allowing them to connect with loved ones, access essential information, and report grievances more easily,” Brennan said. “This reflects our belief that access to communication is an important enabler of worker empowerment and transparency across the industry.”
A phased rollout
Thai Union acknowledged the technical challenges involved in rolling out satellite-based connectivity across a diverse fleet operating in remote ocean areas.
Brennan said the targets are intentionally realistic. “This target reflects a realistic starting point given the technical complexities, vessel diversity, and uneven satellite coverage inherent in deploying robust connectivity at sea. Our immediate objective is to demonstrate operational feasibility and build momentum.”
The company says it is working toward eventually extending access to all crew members across its vessel network.
Part of a broader sustainability push
The Wi-Fi commitment falls under Thai Union’s SeaChange sustainability strategy, which is now in its tenth year. The strategy also includes fair trade programs for shrimp farmers and ethical recruitment standards for the company’s own workers.
Thai Union says it is the first global seafood processor to make this type of connectivity commitment, and it hopes other companies in the industry will follow.
The company employs more than 44,000 people worldwide and recorded sales of more than 133 billion Thai baht (about $5.7 billion Cdn) in 2025. Its brand portfolio includes Chicken of the Sea and John West, among others.
