The global shipping industry continues to grapple with the escalating crisis of crew abandonment, with 54 ships and their crews deserted so far in 2025 thereby putting this year on track to become the second-worst on record.
Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that abandonment cases have soared in recent years, worsened by the rapid growth of the shadow fleet. Last year, reported incidents more than doubled, reaching a staggering 310 cases — a 118% increase over 2023’s previous record of 142.
The alarming trend, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has worsened alongside the expansion of unregulated “dark fleet” operations. Seafarers are increasingly left stranded on abandoned vessels, often without pay, supplies, or means of repatriation.
In response, the ILO recently updated the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to strengthen protections for seafarers. Key amendments include:
- Recognizing seafarers as key workers
- Strengthening repatriation rights
- Ensuring shore leave access without visas or special permits
- Enhancing safeguards against bullying and harassment
Despite guidelines established in 2022 by a joint ILO-IMO working group, abandonment cases continue to rise, underscoring the difficulty of enforcing solutions in an industry plagued by opaque ownership and regulatory evasion.
As maritime authorities struggle to curb the crisis, advocates warn that without stricter enforcement and accountability, seafarers will remain vulnerable to exploitation.
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