ABANDONEMENT of seafarers by shipowners saw an increase of 87% in 2024 compared to the previous year, new data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has revealed.
The numbers showed 3133 seafarers were abandoned by shipowners in 2024 compared to 1676 in 2023, a nearly two-fold increase.
Moreover, a total 312 vessels were abandoned last year compared to 132 vessels in 2023, representing a 136% increase.
Twenty-eight ships were also responsible for abandoning multiple crews in the same year, with three vessels reported three times and 25 reported twice, the ITF revealed.
The ITF’s report, submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), details the significant increase in reported abandonment, and highlights the failure of the Flags of Convenience’ system that the ITF says is central to ongoing impunity for abuses of seafarers’ rights.
Abandoned seafarers can experience months of unpaid wages, extremely poor on-board conditions, inadequate food and clean drinking water, and long periods of work without proper rest, and in some cases, they are left completely stranded for months or even years.
The lack of enforcement and responsiveness from flag and port states, the lack of insurance for vessels, and shipowners refusing to accept that they are mistreating their crew are common factors that contribute to abandonment and complicate the resolution of cases.
Steve Trowsdale, ITF global inspectorate coordinator said, “2024 was the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment”.
“90% of global trade takes place through maritime transport and seafarers are the backbone of this industry.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that unscrupulous ship-owners are abandoning so many crews with impunity by governments and international regulators. This is nothing less than a betrayal of the key workers of global trade.”
The ITS says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the port state of choice for vessel abandonments, accounting for 42 in 2024, while the second-highest port state for abandonment was Türkiye, with 25 vessels.
Free Trade Zones across the UAE, of which there are 46, are attracting global companies with incentives such as tax exemptions and streamlined customs procedures, the ITF claims.
The lack of regulation is leaving more and more seafarers stranded, with vessels owned or managed by UAE companies also responsible for the largest proportion of all abandonments.
The ITF’s General Secretary, Stephen Cotton said, “The scandalous rise in reported cases of seafarer abandonment exposes the ugly truth of an industry which has relied on unchecked exploitative practices and lack of global regulation for far too long”.
“But the solution lies in plain sight: better regulation, enforcement and accountability from governments,” he said.
“By reporting so many cases, seafarers are sending a clear message. They’ve had enough of being treated like slaves. The industry must wake up and take robust action.”
