Global research initiative to examine rising seafarer abandonment crisis

Global research initiative to examine rising seafarer abandonment crisis
Bojan Lepic May 28, 2026 https://splash247.com/global-research-initiative-to-examine-rising-seafa...

The World Maritime University (WMU) has launched a large-scale research initiative titled Seafarer Abandonment: A focused investigation into regulatory implementation, following a sharp increase in reported cases of seafarer abandonment worldwide.

The project is funded by The TK Foundation, The ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and The Seafarers’ Charity. It will examine how existing international protections, particularly under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, are implemented across flag, port, and labour-supplying States.

In 2024, reported abandonment incidents totalled 312, involving more than 3,100 seafarers. The number of affected seafarers rose by about 87% compared with 2023, while abandonment cases and vessels increased by around 136%, exceeding all previous single-year records.

Latest reporting from the joint IMO/ILO database shows a further 31% increase in 2025, with 410 new cases affecting more than 6,000 seafarers by year-end.

“Maritime systems of governance are failing seafarers. We need to unpack the weaknesses in regulatory enforcement and face up to the intolerable human cost to seafarers and their families. We hope that this collaborative research project will give us the data and analysis to effectively confront this shameful aspect of the maritime industry,” said Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust.

The research will also explore the actual experiences of abandoned seafarers and their families, assessing socioeconomic, psychological and health impacts. Drawing on data analysis and direct engagement with affected seafarers and support organisations, the study aims to generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen regulatory practices and enhance seafarer welfare and rights.

“Seafarer abandonment is a systemic failure: solving it demands sector-wide collaboration and coordinated global action. This research has the potential to be pivotal in driving regulatory reform, and we are pleased to co-fund the team at the World Maritime University to undertake it,” added Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity.

WMU will collaborate with Dalian Maritime University, Indian Maritime University, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, and Politeknik Pelayaran Banten, expanding the data pool and deepening understanding of challenges faced by nationalities most affected by abandonment.