The maritime industry faced its most severe crisis in seafarer abandonment during 2025, according to data released by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). A total of 410 ships were abandoned worldwide, leaving 6,223 seafarers stranded without wages, adequate provisions, or means of repatriation. This marked the sixth consecutive year of rising vessel abandonment cases and the fourth year of increasing numbers of affected crew members, with a 31% rise in ships and 32% in seafarers compared to 2024.

Abandonment occurs when shipowners or operators fail to cover essential costs, including unpaid wages for extended periods, lack of food, water, fuel, medical supplies, or arrangements for crew to return home. These situations violate international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

A significant portion of the abandoned vessels, 337 ships or 82% of the total, flew flags of convenience (FOC). These flags are registered in countries with minimal oversight, often allowing owners to bypass stricter regulations on safety, insurance, and crew welfare. Many such vessels belong to the so-called shadow fleet: older tankers with questionable maintenance records, limited or no insurance coverage, and involvement in high-risk trades.

The financial impact was substantial. Seafarers were owed approximately $25.8 million in unpaid wages across these cases. Through its inspector network and legal efforts, the ITF successfully recovered and returned $16.5 million to the affected crew members.

Nationalities most impacted included Indian seafarers, who accounted for 1,125 cases (about 18% of the total), followed by Filipinos (539) and Syrians (309). In response to the crisis, the Indian government blacklisted 86 vessels in 2025 for repeated violations related to abandonment and seafarer rights.

One typical case involved an oil tanker carrying 750,000 barrels of Russian crude, valued at around $50 million, anchored off China. The vessel arrived from Russia in November but was reported abandoned shortly after. The crew had gone unpaid for months, with no provisions or repatriation support. ITF inspectors intervened to secure back wages up to December, deliver food, water, and other essentials, though some crew remained on board for an extended time.

The sharp increase in abandonments has been linked to several factors. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, and supply chain disruptions have raised operating costs and made some trades unprofitable. Operators sometimes disappear, leaving crews to bear the consequences. The growth of unregulated shadow fleets has worsened the problem, as these vessels often operate with poor safety standards and evade accountability.

For seafarers, the consequences are severe: prolonged isolation on board, health risks from inadequate food and medical care, mental strain, and uncertainty about returning to families. Such incidents damage trust in the industry and highlight the need for stronger enforcement of existing maritime conventions.

The ITF continues to advocate for better protection, urging flag states, port authorities, and charterers to take greater responsibility. Seafarers are encouraged to know their rights under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and contact unions or ITF inspectors immediately if wages are delayed or conditions deteriorate.

This alarming trend serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in global shipping. Crew members must remain vigilant, document issues, and seek assistance early to prevent small problems from escalating into full abandonment.

Resource: Based on ITF report and IMO/ILO joint database (itfseafarers.org, marineinsight.com).