The Global Scourge of Crew Abandonment
The issue of crew abandonment continues to plague the maritime industry, with a significant increase in cases reported this year. According to data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), 54 ships and their crews have been abandoned in 2025, marking a troubling trend that shows no signs of abating.
This surge in crew abandonment comes on the heels of a sharp rise in cases last year, with the number of abandoned ships more than doubling from the previous year. Experts attribute this increase to the proliferation of the shadow fleet, a phenomenon that has been growing in recent years.
Recent data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) paints a grim picture, with 310 cases of crew abandonment reported last year alone, representing a 118% increase from the record levels seen in 2023. The rise in crew abandonment cases can be linked to various factors, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the expansion of the dark fleet.
Efforts to address crew abandonment were recently discussed at the headquarters of the ILO, where officials convened to update the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Several amendments were agreed upon to enhance the working and living conditions of seafarers, including the designation of seafarers as key workers, strengthened measures for repatriation, and new provisions to ensure access to shore leave without requiring a visa.
Despite guidelines being established in 2022 to tackle crew abandonment, the problem persists, underscoring the challenges in addressing this issue effectively. Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to protect seafarers and hold accountable those responsible for abandonment.
As the maritime industry grapples with the growing tide of crew abandonment, it is imperative for stakeholders to unite in addressing this critical issue. The welfare of seafarers must be prioritized, and concerted efforts must be made to eradicate the scourge of crew abandonment once and for all.