The rising incidence of seafarer abandonment amidst geopolitical tensions underscores systemic failures in maritime governance. As conflicts, particularly in regions like the Strait of Hormuz, disrupt shipping operations, vulnerable maritime workers find themselves increasingly at risk. The urgent need for enhanced regulatory frameworks is evident, as existing measures fail to protect these essential workers. This article aims to delve deeper into the complexities surrounding seafarer abandonment, exploring its causes, implications, and potential solutions.

Understanding Seafarer Abandonment

• Seafarer abandonment occurs when shipowners fail to meet their obligations, such as paying wages, providing supplies, or arranging repatriation, leaving crews stranded.
• According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, abandonment includes:
  • Failure to pay wages for at least two months,
  • Failure to provide basic maintenance and supplies, or
  • Failure to arrange crew repatriation.
• Abandonment cases frequently arise in busy maritime hubs, particularly around the Persian Gulf.

Status of Seafarer Abandonment

• Data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) indicates that 6,223 seafarers were abandoned across 410 ships in 2025, with India reporting the highest number at 1,125.
• India ranks among the top three global suppliers of seafarers, contributing to the 1.8 million seafarers employed worldwide, as maritime transport accounts for 90-95% of global trade by volume.

Factors Contributing to Abandonment

• Financial Stress: Shipowners often abandon vessels due to high operational costs, fluctuating freight rates, and financial insolvency.
• Flag of Convenience (FOC): The FOC system allows ships to register in countries with lax regulations, undermining labor protections.
  • Approximately 30% of the global merchant fleet operates under FOC flags.
  • In 2024, nearly 90% of abandoned vessels were registered under FOC.
• Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts, such as those in West Asia, exacerbate the risk of abandonment as ships become stranded.

Comparative Analysis of Seafarer Welfare Programs

Critical Evaluation of Current Frameworks

The existing regulatory frameworks governing seafarer welfare, particularly the MLC 2006, suffer from inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Countries often exploit legal loopholes, allowing shipowners to abandon crews without repercussions. The disparity in abandonment rates between countries like India and the Philippines illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive welfare programs. For instance, the Philippines has implemented a robust welfare program that includes mandatory insurance for seafarers, which has significantly reduced their abandonment rate.

• Inadequate Enforcement: Many jurisdictions lack stringent enforcement of the MLC, leading to increased abandonment cases.
• Legal Loopholes: Shipowners exploit gaps in maritime law, often resulting in minimal

  Source: LearnPro Editorial | International Relations | Published: 14 March 2026 | Last updated: 22 March 2026

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