India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing 311,936 maritime professionals to the global shipping industry, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. India now accounts for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, behind only the Philippines.
Key Findings:
- India ranks second globally, ahead of China, the Russian Federation and Indonesia.
- India’s share of the global seafarer workforce has increased significantly:
- 2015: 5.2% — 5th position globally
- 2021: 6% — 5th position
- 2026: 12.16% — 2nd position
- India currently supplies:
- 140,718 officers, accounting for 13.41% of the global officer workforce.
- 171,218 ratings, accounting for 11.29% of global ratings aboard merchant vessels.
- The global seafarer supply is estimated at around 2.57 million, while global demand stands at approximately 2.55 million.
- The report highlights a continuing shortage of qualified officers, indicating increasing demand for skilled maritime professionals.
About BIMCO-ICS:
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) periodically assess global seafarer supply and demand to identify manpower requirements and emerging shortages in the maritime industry.
Source: PIB
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