Record Crew Abandonment Crisis: 6223 Seafarers Abandoned by Shipowners in 2025

Record Crew Abandonment Crisis: 6223 Seafarers Abandoned by Shipowners in 2025

The year 2025 has become the worst in history for the number of abandoned crews on ships — over 6223 seafarers were left on 410 vessels, according to data from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).

The Middle East and Europe lead in the number of abandoned vessels. The ITF has returned $16.5 million to seafarers, but experts warn that the trend is becoming persistent and structural.

Global Scale of the Problem

ITF materials will be presented to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the Legal Committee meeting this year. This record number of abandoned crews highlights the growing crisis in the maritime industry, where shipowners evade responsibility for paying wages, fuel, and repairs.

• The Middle East and Europe: regions with the highest number of incidents.
• $16.5 million: amount returned by the ITF to seafarers over the year.
• 410 vessels: total number of abandoned ships.

Expert Assessment

According to ITF specialists, the problem goes beyond isolated cases and requires systemic measures. The trend threatens maritime safety and the rights of thousands of workers, many of whom are left without means of support for months.

IMO plans to discuss measures to tighten control over shipowners to prevent a recurrence of the situation in the future.