Over two million people work in the international shipping trade, and they are often at sea for months at a time.
That’s a lot of meals being made by the cook on board, and their work is crucial for keeping the crew happy.
Ruth Alexander hears from seafarers about why that makes “cookie” the most important person on board a ship and why, in some cases, crew members are going hungry.
A former captain of merchant vessels tells us how food is used for so-called “facilitation payments” to corrupt officials, and why crews can sometimes be powerless to stop port officials filling up suitcases with food from the ship’s stores.
We also hear about international efforts to try to tackle corruption in ports and increase welfare standards for seafarers.
If you would like to share your own experience, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Ruth Alexander
Producers: Izzy Greenfield and Hannah Bewley
(Image: A container ship at sea. Credit: Getty Images)
Can I eat this flower?
To salt or not to salt?
Food double-acts: TV chefs
How to run a restaurant
The real Willy Wonkas
Fasting and feasting
Why we love dumplings
The fifth taste
The school cooks
Is this ultra processed?
Table talk
Detroit's urban farmers
Rebuilding Turkey’s food culture
Is Chinese food the best in the world?
How to invent an apple
The preservers
Another year away from home
Festive food stories
Feed your brain
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Global News Podcast
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
The Infinite Monkey Cage
The Federalist Papers
Anne of Green Gables
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins