Increase in Ship Abandonments: Seafarers Owed Millions in Unpaid Wages

The International Workers Federation (ITF) reported an 11% increase in ship abandonments in 2023, reaching a total of 132 cases, leaving hundreds of seafarers owed wages of over $12 million. Seafarers are considered abandoned if the shipowner fails to cover the cost of repatriation, neglects to provide maintenance and support, or stops paying wages for at least two months. Indian seafarers were the most affected, representing 400 of nearly 1,700 people who contacted the union.

Steve Trowsdale, ITF inspectorate coordinator, condemned the rise in seafarer abandonments, calling it unacceptable and a consequence of an industry where seafarers are treated as disposable commodities. Panama, Palau, and Cameroon were the top three countries with the most abandonments, according to ITF data. The new leader of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has promised to be a vigorous campaigner for seafarers during his term. The ITF highlighted seven registries, including Panama and Palau, for poor maintenance and safety performance.

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