The maritime landscape is witnessing a disturbing trend: a sharp increase in the number of abandoned oil tankers and commercial ships worldwide. This surge has left countless merchant sailors stranded and struggling for basic necessities, raising urgent questions about the implications for global trade and maritime safety.
A Crisis Unfolding at Sea
In recent months, the plight of seafarers has come to the forefront, as countless ships remain abandoned by their owners. Ivan, a senior deck officer aboard one such oil tanker anchored off China, recently shared the harrowing conditions faced by his crew. “We had a shortage of meat, grain, fish—simple things for survival,” he recounted. “It’s affected our health and our operational atmosphere.” The vessel, laden with approximately 750,000 barrels of Russian crude oil valued at around £37 million, has been marooned since December after the crew reported not being paid for months. Despite the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stepping in to provide essentials and negotiate back pay, most crew members remain stranded, caught in a web of economic and geopolitical turmoil.
The Numbers Tell a Troubling Story
The scale of abandonment is staggering. In 2016, only 20 ships were reported abandoned. Fast forward to 2025, and that figure has soared to 410, affecting over 6,200 seafarers. This drastic increase reflects broader issues in the shipping industry, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain disruptions and fluctuating freight rates have pushed some operators to the brink, leading to reckless decisions and the abandonment of vessels.
The emergence of “shadow fleets,” primarily consisting of aging oil tankers operating under flags of convenience (FOCs), is further complicating the situation. These vessels, often registered in countries with lax regulations, serve as a loophole for owners looking to evade scrutiny and sanctions, particularly during heightened geopolitical conflicts. The ITF highlights that these shadow fleets, which are frequently underfunded and poorly maintained, pose significant risks to both crews and global maritime safety.
The Human Cost of Abandonment
According to data from UN agencies, the total wage arrears owed to abandoned crews reached a staggering $25.8 million last year. While the ITF has successfully recovered nearly two-thirds of this sum, the financial toll on affected seafarers remains devastating. Ivan’s ship alone accrued approximately $175,000 in unpaid wages, illustrating the profound impact of abandonment on individual lives.
Among the most affected are Indian sailors, who constitute 18% of all abandoned crews, followed by Filipinos and Syrians. In a bid to safeguard its maritime workforce, the Indian government has blacklisted numerous foreign vessels implicated in abandonment cases, many of which have untraceable ownership or lack proper regulatory oversight.
Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International, has condemned the negligence of FOC states, calling for a stronger connection between ship owners and the flags under which they operate. “There must be a genuine link,” he asserts, emphasising that international maritime law mandates such accountability.
The Future of Maritime Safety
The resolution of Ivan’s situation remains uncertain, with prospects hinging on the ship’s oil being transferred through a ship-to-ship operation in open waters. Reflecting on his experience, Ivan expressed his intent to conduct thorough research before joining future crews, highlighting the need for greater awareness among seafarers regarding the risks associated with shadow fleet operations.
As the intertwining challenges of abandonment and maritime safety continue to unfold, the industry must confront these pressing issues head-on. Enhanced international cooperation and more stringent regulations are essential to protect seafarers and ensure the integrity of global shipping routes.
Why it Matters
The increasing number of abandoned vessels represents not only a humanitarian crisis but also a potential threat to global trade and maritime security. As geopolitical tensions mount and the shadow fleet phenomenon grows, the implications for seafarers’ rights and the stability of international shipping are profound. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring a safer future for maritime professionals and the global economy they support.
