UN Reports Surge in Abandoned Seafarers Amidst Rising Costs and Logistical Challenges

Over the last decade, the United Nations has documented a growing crisis of abandoned seafarers left stranded by shipowners worldwide. This issue has left sailors marooned aboard vessels for months, sometimes even years, without pay or basic supplies. In 2022 alone, more than 2,000 seafarers on approximately 150 ships were abandoned, and the problem shows no signs of abating.

Understanding the Data

The United Nations' labor and maritime organizations began tracking cases of abandonment 20 years ago, and the number of incidents has reached its highest point since records began. The situation worsened significantly during the global pandemic and has continued to escalate due to rising inflation and logistical challenges that have increased operational costs for shipowners.

Enhanced reporting efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have contributed to the higher number of reported cases. These U.N. agencies, in collaboration with seafarer advocacy groups, have been actively identifying cases and providing assistance to abandoned crews.

Causes of Abandonment

Shipowners abandon vessels and crews for various reasons. Rising fuel costs, accumulating debt, and unexpected repairs can severely impact shipowners' finances, leading some to abandon their obligations. During the early days of the pandemic, canceled shipments, port delays, and quarantine restrictions disrupted global shipping, while a surge in consumer demand led to increased orders for ships. However, as global trade contracted and fuel and labor costs spiked, many newly commissioned vessels became financially unviable, putting them at risk of being abandoned.

Many abandoned ships are older, less seaworthy vessels that operate on less profitable routes, often managed by smaller companies operating on the fringes of legality. These companies are particularly vulnerable to financial setbacks, which can lead to cascading problems and eventual abandonment.

Protections for Seafarers

The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) is an international agreement considered a bill of rights for seafarers. It stipulates that seafarers are deemed abandoned if shipowners withhold two months of wages, fail to provide adequate food supplies, or do not pay for their repatriation. The convention requires flag states to ensure the welfare of seafarers, facilitate their return home, and verify that shipowners have insurance to cover up to four months of wages.

These regulations are designed to encourage countries to thoroughly vet shipowners and identify potential risks before registering ships under their flag. However, enforcement of these rules is inconsistent, and many flag states fail to act when notified by the IMO about stranded crews. Last year, nearly half of the abandoned ships lacked insurance, according to IMO data.

Flag states with the most abandoned ships tend to have large registries, often due to lower registration fees. Panama, for instance, has registered 20% of all ships abandoned since 2020. Other frequent offenders include Tanzania, Palau, and Togo, each responsible for about 5% of abandoned ships. These countries are considered "flags of convenience" with minimal regulatory oversight by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

Of these flag states, only Togo responded to inquiries from the Associated Press (AP). A spokesperson for Togo's international ship registry acknowledged the difficulty in vetting shipowners' financial stability and expressed deep concern over the complex issue of abandonment.

Port Practices and Regional Impacts

The uneven implementation of regulations also affects where ships are most frequently abandoned. Over a quarter of recent cases occurred in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, none of which have adopted the abandonment provisions of the MLC. These countries did not respond to AP's inquiries regarding the issue.

The issue is further compounded by the fact that ports in these regions are often critical hubs for global trade. The abandonment of ships in such locations can lead to significant logistical challenges, disrupting supply chains and affecting the timely delivery of goods. This not only impacts the seafarers but also has broader economic repercussions.

Economic Implications

The economic implications of abandoned ships and seafarers are far-reaching. Disruptions in supply chains due to abandoned vessels can lead to delays in the delivery of goods, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide. Additionally, the cost of resolving abandonment cases, including repatriation and unpaid wages, often falls on port authorities and humanitarian organizations, further straining resources.

Humanitarian Concerns

Beyond the economic impacts, the humanitarian concerns are profound. Seafarers abandoned without pay, adequate food, or means of returning home face severe physical and mental health challenges. These conditions can lead to prolonged suffering and significant hardship for the affected individuals and their families.

Conclusion

The increasing number of abandoned seafarers highlights a significant humanitarian crisis within the global shipping industry. Despite the protections offered by the Maritime Labor Convention, inconsistent enforcement and economic pressures continue to leave many seafarers stranded and without support. The international community, particularly flag states and port authorities, must strengthen their efforts to protect these vulnerable workers and ensure that shipowners are held accountable for their obligations. Addressing the root causes of abandonment and improving oversight and enforcement mechanisms are critical steps toward resolving this ongoing issue and safeguarding the rights and welfare of seafarers worldwide.

Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to create a more resilient and fair shipping industry. This includes better financial safeguards for shipowners, improved working conditions for seafarers, and more robust international cooperation to prevent abandonment. As the industry evolves, it is imperative to ensure that those who keep global trade moving are not left behind in times of crisis. The commitment to enhancing the welfare of seafarers and ensuring their rights are protected must be a global priority, reflecting the essential role these workers play in the international economy.