More than 2,280 seafarers have been abandoned on 222 vessels this year, a 30% increase from 2024, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The unpaid wages for these seafarers amount to $13.1 million, highlighting a troubling trend in global maritime practices. In contrast, the same period last year saw 1,838 seafarers abandoned, with $11.5 million in unpaid wages.
The ITF reports that 37% of abandonment cases occurred in the Arab World, particularly in the UAE, while 34% were in Europe, mainly in Türkiye, which has not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention. The organization urges Gulf and European nations to hold shipowners accountable for these incidents. ITF inspectorate coordinator Steve Trowsdale emphasized the need for action against rogue shipowners, calling abandonment a serious violation of human rights.
The issue is compounded by the Flags of Convenience (FOC) system, which allows shipowners to evade responsibility, as 75% of abandoned vessels are registered under FOC states. Trowsdale criticized this system for enabling exploitation, urging international regulators to take immediate action to protect seafarers and ensure accountability within the maritime industry.
