BIMCO has published a revised position paper on seafarers, expanding its previous focus on fair treatment into a broader framework addressing the long-term sustainability of the global maritime workforce.
The updated position “Supporting maritime workforce sustainability” reflects growing recognition across the industry that ensuring a resilient and attractive seafaring profession requires a holistic approach. This goes beyond legal protections alone and encompasses welfare, training, safety culture and the the people as the centre of ship design and operations.
A workforce at the centre of global trade
The fair treatment of seafarers, particularly in cases involving criminalisation following maritime incidents, abandonment or denial of basic rights such as shore leave or medical care has been at the heart of BIMCO’s work.
And while these issues remain critically important, discussions within the industry have increasingly highlighted that the long-term resilience of the maritime workforce depends on a wider set of factors.
The global maritime industry relies on nearly two million seafarers, whose professionalism ensures the safe and efficient movement of international trade. Sustaining this workforce requires safe, fair, inclusive and attractive working conditions that support both operational resilience and the long-term appeal of maritime careers.
Our new position provides a framework for us to work within that addresses the broader ecosystem that supports seafarers, including welfare, mental health, training, inclusivity, working and living conditions, the people as the centre of ship design and operations, and legal safeguards. This shift reflects feedback from BIMCO members, where shipowners and senior industry representatives identified workforce sustainability as a growing concern.
Collectively, these factors influence not only operational resilience but also the attractiveness of seafaring as a career.
A changing operating environment
The 2021 BIMCO and ICS Seafarer Workforce Report has previously projected a growing demand for qualified officers, highlighting the importance of sustained recruitment, training and retention efforts. At the same time, the maritime sector is undergoing profound changes driven by digitalisation, automation and the energy transition, all of which are reshaping the competencies required onboard ships.
These developments place increasing emphasis on future-ready training systems, stronger oversight of maritime education and training and continuous skills development throughout seafarers’ careers.
IMO developments reinforce focus on the people
At the IMO level, work is ongoing under the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, aimed at modernising seafarer training and competence requirements to reflect technological developments and evolving operational practices.
The IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping has also initiated work on fatigue management and hours of work and rest, recognising the operational realities faced by seafarers and the importance of managing workload and wellbeing onboard.
More information may be found here: HTW 12: IMO advances seafarer training and launches new fatigue management initiative
At the same time, new initiatives within the IMO’s capacity development framework aim to promote diversity, equality, equity and inclusion (DEEI) in the maritime sector and support the development of future-ready maritime skills.
Welfare and safety as operational priorities
Our revised position emphasises that seafarer welfare is closely linked to safety and operational performance.
Issues such as fatigue, isolation and exposure to challenging working environments are increasingly recognised as psychosocial risks that can affect decision-making and resilience onboard. Addressing these factors through improved living and working conditions, access to medical care and supportive onboard environments is therefore essential.
The position therefore highlights the importance of adequate rest, access to medical care, and respectful working environments free from violence and harassment.
The Maritime Labour Convention 2025 Amendments mark an important step forward by strengthening protections related to shore leave, medical care and the prevention of violence and harassment.
The updated BIMCO position also highlights the importance of human-centred design, recognising that increasingly complex ship systems must take into account the real-world capabilities and limitations of seafarers. Integrating human-element considerations into ship design, equipment selection and operational procedures can enhance safety, usability and job satisfaction.
Continuing work on seafarer issues
The revised position paper forms part of our broader engagement on workforce sustainability and the people in shipping.
Throughout the year, we will continue to engage members and stakeholders on these topics through industry discussions, research and policy initiatives.
This includes seafarer-focused discussions during Posidonia, where industry representatives will explore what might be considered two sides of the same challenge: securing a sustainable workforce for shipping means not only understanding supply and demand but also ensuring that seafarers are treated fairly and protected when they need it most.
We are also working with partners on an updated Seafarer Workforce Report, expected to be released later this year, which will examine global workforce trends and emerging competence requirements.
In parallel, we are preparing a survey to gather first-hand insights on the seafarers, including fatigue, workload and the implementation of hours of work and rest requirements. The results will help inform our engagement at IMO and support the development of practical guidance for members.
A shared responsibility
Ultimately, sustaining the maritime workforce requires coordinated action across the industry, governments and international organisations.
Our aim is to support practical solutions that strengthen the profession, improve working conditions and ensure that seafaring remains a safe, sustainable and attractive career for future generations.
"Shipping is very much a case of out of sight, out of mind, including for the people on board the ships." says Bjørn Højgaard, Chief Executive Officer at Anglo-Eastern Univan Group and Chair of BIMCO’s Maritime Safety & Security Committee and Marine Environment Committee. "But seafarers really are the backbone of the global trade. And we need to make sure we raise our voice for them and ensure that they have good and safe working conditions in which to perform that vital role for all of us."
