The global shipping sector is grappling with a significant lack of qualified seafarers, which has triggered a series of issues including falsified resumes, increased maritime accidents, and higher freight costs.

A captain from a multinational shipping company, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration: “The shortage is severe. It’s impacting me directly as I can’t find suitable crew members.”

Rhett Harris, a senior analyst at Drewry, explained that while the number of ships has grown substantially in recent years, the increase in trained personnel has not matched this expansion. As a result, companies are compelled to hire less experienced individuals than they would prefer. Harris emphasized that senior officers and engineers are particularly scarce compared to deck officers.

Contributing Factors to the Crisis

Geopolitical events have worsened the situation. Conflicts such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted the supply of skilled seafarers. According to Daejin Lee, the global research head at FertiStream, both countries were major providers of experienced maritime personnel. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian and Ukrainian seafarers constituted nearly 15% of the global workforce, as reported by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

The ICS predicts that by 2026, there could be a global shortfall of 90,000 trained seafarers. the organization urged governments to adopt national strategies to combat this issue. “To address the shortage, we must actively recruit a more diverse workforce,” the ICS stated, noting that this shortage represents one of the industry’s most critical challenges.

The Houthi attacks and other security threats have made working at sea more dangerous, further discouraging individuals from pursuing maritime careers, the ICS added.

Seafaring’s Declining Popularity

Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists, observed that many maritime professionals are now opting for land-based jobs. Meanwhile, younger generations are increasingly disinterested in a career at sea.

“Previously, the high wages made seafaring financially attractive,” explained Lee from FertiStream. “But now, young people prioritize work-life balance and are unwilling to endure long periods away from home.”

For the internet-savvy younger generation, the lack of constant connectivity at sea is another deterrent, Harris noted. Shipping companies are attempting to counter this by enhancing onboard facilities such as gyms and entertainment options, and offering shorter contracts ranging from two to four months.

Rise of Fake Resumes and Onboard Risks

As companies compete for a shrinking pool of talent, they have increased wages to attract candidates. However, this has also encouraged unqualified applicants to submit fake resumes, inflating their experience to secure higher-ranking positions.

“Many people are embellishing their CVs to obtain better jobs and pay,” said Jensen, who reported finding thousands of fraudulent resumes after cross-checking claims with former employers.

The consequences are dire. A shipping company captain admitted to frequently firing underqualified crew members whose abilities fell short of their claims. “The standards are dropping because companies are desperate for anyone with a license,” the captain remarked.

The shortage has also forced existing seafarers to work longer contracts with minimal breaks, leading to exhaustion, mental health challenges, and even accidents. A 2024 study by the World Maritime University revealed that over 93% of surveyed seafarers cited fatigue as their primary safety concern, with 78% stating they never had a full day off during their contracts.

Impact on Global Trade and Costs

Maritime shipping is essential to the global supply chain, carrying more than 80% of the world’s trade by volume, according to the U.N. Trade and Development Organization. A lack of crew can delay vessels at ports, causing supply chain disruptions, said Subhangshu Dutt, executive director at Om Maritime.

Additionally, rising seafarer wages, which account for a significant portion of operating costs, are expected to keep freight rates elevated. This, in turn, could add to inflationary pressures, Lee noted.

Experts agree that resolving the seafarer shortage will take time, as it remains one of the most pressing challenges for the shipping industry. “This is undoubtedly among the largest obstacles we face,” concluded Lee.

By Bitumenmag