India Becomes World’s 2nd-Largest Supplier of Seafarers:
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers to the global shipping industry, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime sector.
- India contributes 311,936 seafarers, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce. The Philippines remains the largest supplier of seafarers globally.
- India supplies 140,718 officers, accounting for 13.41% of the global officer workforce, and 171,218 ratings, representing 11.29% of global ratings serving aboard merchant vessels.
- The report estimates the global seafaring workforce at around 2.57 million, against a demand of nearly 2.55 million, highlighting the shortage of qualified maritime professionals, particularly officers.
- India’s share of the global seafaring workforce increased from 5.2% in 2015 and around 6% in 2021 to 12.16% in 2026, enabling India to rise from the fifth-largest supplier to the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally.
- Expansion of maritime training institutes, modernisation of infrastructure, improved skill development and alignment with international standards have enhanced the quality and global employability of Indian seafarers.
- Digitisation of certification and regulatory services by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has improved transparency and efficiency. Compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) has strengthened global recognition of Indian maritime professionals.
- Recent reforms, including the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, Indian Ports Act, 2025, Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, Bills of Lading Act, 2025 and Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025, aim to modernise maritime governance, strengthen seafarer welfare, simplify regulations and align Indian shipping laws with international conventions.
- Mission 20% aims to increase India’s share of the global seafaring workforce from 12.16% to 20%, with the goal of ensuring that one out of every five seafarers worldwide is Indian.
- A skilled maritime workforce strengthens India’s position as a global maritime talent hub, enhances its role in international trade and supply chains, and supports the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
