New data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) indicates a 30% increase in reported cases of seafarer abandonment globally in 2025.
As of mid-year, 222 vessels have been linked to abandonment incidents involving 2,286 seafarers. The associated unpaid wages amount to $13.1 million. This marks a rise from the same period in 2024, which recorded 172 cases, 1,838 affected seafarers, and $11.5 million in unpaid wages—already the highest annual figure at the time.
The ITF defines abandonment as occurring when crew members are denied wages for two months or more, left without means to return home, or deprived of food, water, or medical care.
The Arab region has accounted for 37% of abandonment cases this year, the highest regional proportion. Europe follows with 34%, with the majority of European cases occurring in Turkey—a country that has not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention.
ITF Inspectorate Coordinator, Steve Trowsdale, stated that abandonment is increasingly concentrated in certain regions and flagged concerns about enforcement and regulatory oversight. He noted that the Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates, has seen a notable rise in such incidents.
A key factor, according to the ITF, is the use of so-called Flags of Convenience (FOC). These registries allow shipowners to register vessels in jurisdictions with limited oversight. In 2025, nearly 75% of abandoned vessels were registered under FOC states, with St. Kitts & Nevis and Tanzania each linked to 26 cases, and Comoros to 18.
Trowsdale criticised the FOC system, stating that it enables owners to avoid scrutiny and accountability. He called on port states, international regulators, and the International Maritime Organization to adopt stricter measures against abandonment and to ensure greater enforcement of crew welfare responsibilities.
The ITF identified recurring issues contributing to abandonment, including limited enforcement by flag and port states, insufficient vessel insurance, and shipowners neglecting obligations to their crew.
The Federation has warned that continued inaction may exacerbate existing challenges in crew recruitment and retention, with broader implications for the global shipping industry.
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