Cases of vessel abandonment have risen by nearly 33%, with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) reporting 158 incidents by May 2024, up from 119 the previous year. These cases involve over 1,500 seafarers seeking assistance, many of whom have faced prolonged periods without pay, food, or access to ports. ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton emphasized that this trend highlights a systemic issue within the maritime industry, calling for urgent reforms.
In 2024, the ITF recovered over $58.1 million in unpaid wages for seafarers, with $13.5 million specifically for those abandoned. However, as abandonment cases continue to increase, the federation is concerned about enforcement limitations. ITF Inspectorate head Steve Trowsdale noted the challenges in identifying ship owners and the lack of action from flag states, contributing to a growing sense of impunity.
In response to these issues, the ITF has added Tuvalu and Guinea-Bissau to its list of Flags of Convenience (FOC) countries, now totaling 45. These jurisdictions often allow exploitative practices, leaving seafarers vulnerable. Cotton stressed the need for transparency and accountability in shipping, advocating for reforms that ensure every vessel has a clear link to its true owner to protect seafarers’ rights.
