A significant advancement for India’s maritime workforce has been announced with the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of Indian seafarers and improve operational efficiency at the nation’s ports.
Captain Hari Subramaniam, Howden’s chief growth officer for marine, highlights a looming seafarer shortage, evident in reports from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping. He stresses that this issue has evolved from a theoretical concern to a pressing crisis, necessitating immediate action to retain skilled maritime talent for a sustainable future.
The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding, Drydocks World, and Cochin Shipyard Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a skilled maritime workforce in India. This initiative, formalized during India Maritime Week 2025, aims to position India as a global leader in shipbuilding and repair training.
The Seamen’s Pension Fund’s annual review highlights a significant 11% rise in female seafarers in Greece, totaling 2,048. Despite this growth, global figures show a decline in women’s representation in the maritime workforce from 26% in 2021 to nearly 19% in 2024. Passenger ships lead in female employment, comprising 68%.
Maritime professionals are driven by more than just competitive salaries. Factors like career growth, recognition, autonomy, challenging work, and work-life balance play a significant role in their loyalty to a company. Companies that prioritize these aspects are more likely to retain employees in the maritime industry, ultimately benefiting both parties.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
