ITF: Seafarer abandonment in 2025 poised to shatter 2024 record
In 2025, ITF inspectors have already helped recover $4.1 million for seafarers affected by abandonment
At May this year, 158 cases of vessel abandonment had been recorded, up from 119 at the same point in 2024.
These cases represent more than 1,501 seafarers who have reached out to the ITF for assistance, many of whom were left unpaid, without food, water or access to ports, often for months at a time.
Abandonment is a growing, systemic problem
“Abandonment is a growing, systemic problem,” said Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary. “Behind every number is a human being who has been failed by the industry and the governments responsible for regulating it. The fact that we’re on track to break last year’s appalling record is a sign that urgent reform is needed.”
These cases concern over 1,501 seafarers
This was recalled in a note from ITF, underlining how these cases concern over 1,501 seafarers who have turned to the International Transport Workers Federation for assistance, many of whom have been left without wages, food, water or access to ports, often for months.
In 2024
In 2024, the ITF and its global network of inspectors recovered more than $58.1 million in unpaid wages for seafarers working on vessels with “Flag of Convenience” registries, which offer minimal oversight and have become havens for exploitative maritime practices. Of this total, $13.5 million was returned to abandoned seafarers.
In 2025
In 2025, ITF inspectors have already helped recover $4.1 million for seafarers affected by abandonment. However, as the number of cases increases, the federation says it is increasingly concerned about the limits of enforcement. “We are dealing with shipowners who are shirking their obligations, often in the face of non-compliant registries who are not taking action,” said Steve Trowsdale, head of the ITF inspectorate. “In many cases, it is impossible to identify the shipowner and flag states are unwilling or unable to intervene. That is what makes the increase in cases so dangerous: impunity is growing at all levels.”
Related :IMO takes action on seafarers’ rights, substandard shipping
ITF added Tuvalu and Guinea-Bissau to list of FOC countries,
In response to growing concerns, the ITF has added Tuvalu and Guinea-Bissau to its list of FOCs countries, bringing the total number of countries on the list to 45. Both countries are linked to so-called “shadow fleets” that transport sanctioned oil while evading regulatory controls.
FOC states
“FOCs states allow shipowners to register vessels in jurisdictions that offer minimal fees, low labor standards and ownership secrecy, meaning seafarers on FOCs vessels face low wages, long working hours and unsafe working conditions.
Related : Seafarers recognized as ‘key workers’ after Geneva negotiations
Than 50% of the world’s fleet is registered in FOCs states
Today, more than 50% of the world’s fleet is registered in FOCs states, and more than 80% of abandoned vessels are also registered in FOCs. The system has allowed unscrupulous actors to profit, while leaving seafarers vulnerable to exploitation,” the ITF said in a statement.
Shipping is the engine of global trade
“Shipping is the engine of global trade, yet its workers are treated as expendable,” Stephen Cotton General Security ITF concluded. “We must expose and reform the FOCs system. Every ship must fly a flag that can demonstrate a transparent and traceable link to its true beneficial owner, and regulators must be armed — and willing — to detain and penalize those who stray from their crews. Only through this genuine connection and rigorous enforcement can we eradicate the scourge of abandonment and build the safe, fair industry that seafarers deserve.”
