The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has reported a significant increase in the abandonment of seafarers worldwide. As of 2025, more than 2,280 seafarers have been left stranded on 222 vessels, with $13.1 million in unpaid wages and a 30% rise in cases compared to the previous year.
The ITF highlighted that 37% of these cases occurred in the Arab World, with Europe accounting for 34%, particularly in Turkiye. The federation called for Gulf states and European countries to hold shipowners accountable to prevent further abandonments.
Steve Trowsdale, ITF’s Inspectorate Coordinator, stated: “We are seeing a pattern of abuse that cannot be ignored and that must be confronted.” He emphasized the need for action against rogue shipowners and described each case as an intentional abuse of human rights.
The report also scrutinized the Flags of Convenience (FOC) system, which allows ships registered under certain states like St. Kitts & Nevis, Tanzania, and Comoros to evade scrutiny. Nearly 75% of abandoned vessels this year were under FOCs.
Trowsdale criticized this system: “The Flags of Convenience system is parasitic on the maritime industry,” allowing shipowners to avoid responsibility while seafarers suffer.
The ITF urged international regulators and organizations to take immediate action. They warned that continued neglect threatens not only lives but also the integrity of the shipping industry amid a recruitment crisis.
“There must be accountability. If we allow this exploitation to continue, we destroy the very workforce global trade depends on,” Trowsdale concluded.
