Task Force Formed to Tackle Rising Seafarer Abandonment Issues

Helio Vicente, director of employment affairs at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), has been appointed to coordinate a task force aimed at addressing the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment. This concern is growing, with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reporting a near doubling of seafarers abandoned, from 1,676 in 2023 to 3,133 in 2024. The joint ILO and IMO report indicates that these figures far surpass previous years, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated action.

The task force, which includes representatives from various countries and organizations such as the ITF and BIMCO, aims to improve the abandonment database first established in 2002. Challenges including unreported cases and outdated data highlight the necessity for enhancements in reporting and classification. The task force will ensure all cases are accurately recorded and implement procedures for disputed cases, ultimately creating a reliable database for timely interventions.

Quality data is vital for enforcing regulations and holding responsible parties accountable. By improving this database, the task force hopes to facilitate better coordination among stakeholders and enable effective responses to abandonment cases. Moving forward, the ICS is committed to advocating for stronger protections for seafarers, ensuring their rights are upheld in the global maritime industry.

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