Seafarer Abandonment Hit Record High in 2025, Affecting Over 6,200 Crew

Seafarer Abandonment Hit Record High in 2025, Affecting Over 6,200 Crew
January 23, 2026 https://www.indexbox.io/blog/seafarer-abandonment-hit-record-high-in-202...

Seafarer abandonment reached record levels in 2025, according to new data compiled by the International Transport Workers Federation. The ITF reported that 6,223 seafarers were abandoned across 410 ships, marking the sixth consecutive year of record-breaking numbers for vessels involved in abandonments. The figures show a 31% increase in ship abandonments and a 32% increase in seafarer abandonment compared to 2024.

ITF data, which will be submitted in a report to the International Maritime Organization, indicates seafarers were owed $25.8 million in 2025 as a consequence of the abandonments. The ITF has recovered and returned $16.5 million of that total to seafarers.

"Its nothing short of a disgrace that, yet again, we are seeing record numbers of seafarers abandoned by unscrupulous shipowners," said David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers Section. "Every day, all around the world, seafarers face horrific violations of their human and labour rights, all so that bottom-feeding companies can make a quick buck at their expense. Its very clear that this is a systemic issue in the industry - and that means we need the entire industry to come together with seafarers and their unions to say, enough is enough, and take action together to end this crisis."

Worst-Affected Groups and Regions

Indian seafarers were the worst affected national group in 2025, with 1,125 abandoned, as was the case in 2024. At the end of 2025, the Indian government announced blacklisting measures to protect seafarers from ships with a record of repeat abandonments. Filipino seafarers were the second worst affected, with 539 abandoned, followed by Syrians with 309 abandoned.

The worst region for abandonment was the Middle East, followed by Europe. The two countries with the highest number of vessels on which abandonments occurred were Turkiye (61) and the United Arab Emirates (54).

Systemic Issues and Proposed Solutions Flag of convenience vessels feature prominently in abandonment: 337 vessels abandoned in 2025, representing 82% of the total, were flying FOC flags.

The ITF has proposed three ideas to tackle seafarer abandonment. First, flag states must be compelled to log a ship's beneficial owner, including contact details, as a pre-condition for registration. Secondly, national blacklisting of ships should happen to protect seafarers from ships with repeated involvement in abandonment cases. Finally, the ITF is calling on governments to investigate the use of flags of convenience. ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton urged for the International Maritime Organization to be given more power to play a coordinating role in eradicating abandonment. Please mention the Source: https://www.indexbox.io/blog/seafarer-abandonment-hit-record-high-in-202...