The global shipping industry is currently facing a shortage of skilled seafarers, leading to a variety of challenges such as fake resumes, accidents at sea, and increased freight charges. Geo-political events, such as the ongoing Russian-Ukraine confrontation and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, have impacted the availability of experienced seafarers, according to experts. Before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Russian and Ukrainian seamen made up about 15% of the global maritime workforce, with a predicted shortage of 90,000 skilled mariners by 2026, according to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
This shortage is further exacerbated by the declining popularity of seafaring among younger generations, with many choosing to work onshore rather than at sea. To attract younger talent, shipping companies are now offering entertainment and exercise facilities onboard, as well as shorter cruise durations ranging from two to four months. However, the shortage has also led to the acceptance of unqualified applicants with inflated resumes, posing risks to ship safety and crew well-being.
The impact of the seafarer shortage extends beyond employment challenges, with fatigue and mental strain among existing seafarers leading to safety concerns and onboard incidents. A study by the World Maritime University found that fatigue was a significant safety-related concern for over 93% of seafarers surveyed, with approximately 78% reporting not having a full day off during their contract periods, which can last for months. The industry’s heavy reliance on seafarers to maintain the global supply chain, accounting for over 80% of total trade volume, magnifies the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
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