The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in global seafarer abandonment cases, calling it a growing humanitarian and labor crisis that threatens the backbone of global trade.
According to a new report released Tuesday, more than 2,280 seafarers have been abandoned across 222 vessels so far this year, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. These cases have left maritime workers without pay, food, medical support, or even the means to return home, resulting in $13.1 million in unpaid wages.
The abandonment of seafarers is legally defined as a situation where crew members are denied wages for two months or more, are stranded without repatriation, or are deprived of essential support and the Arab world has emerged as the worst-hit region, accounting for 37% of all reported cases in 2025, closely followed by Europe at 34%.
A major driver of this crisis, the ITF says, is the controversial Flags of Convenience (FOC) system. Under this system, shipowners register vessels in countries with lax regulations and limited oversight. The ITF reports that nearly 75% of abandoned vessels in 2025 are flying FOC flags, offering shipowners anonymity and deregulation often at the cost of crew welfare.
Despite some progress, enforcement remains a challenge as in 2024, the ITF recovered $58.1 million in unpaid wages, including $13.5 million specifically for abandoned crews. In 2025, $4.1 million has already been recovered a fraction of the escalating unpaid dues.
The previous year, 2024, marked the worst year on record, with 3,133 seafarers abandoned from 312 vessels.
