Top Ten Supplying Nations Of Seafarers’ Worldwide
The maritime industry relies on the expertise and dedication of seafarers, who make international shipping trade possible by risking their lives and safety on the high seas. Most commodities in the world are transported by sea and so the demand for seafarers is on the rise, yet there is a shortage of qualified and well-trained professionals.
Asia is leading as the top supplier of seafarers in the world, with the major seafarer-supplying nations located in the continent. In this article, we will explore the Top 10 seafarer-supplying countries, examining factors which contribute to their success.
1. The Philippines
It is the biggest seafarer-supplying country in the world, and per BIMCO Report, 2023, it had deployed 550,000 seafarers, including 350,000 ratings and 200,000 officers, making over 2% of the global seafaring population, manning over 35% of the world’s merchant fleet, including container ships, oil tankers, bulk carriers and cruise ships.
The factors for this dominance are several, including English proficiency, since the language is widely spoken and taught in the country, giving Filipino seafarers an edge in the maritime industry. Their education system is also highly regarded, producing well-trained and competent seafarers.
They also comprise a cost-effective pool of seafarers, making them an attractive choice for shipping companies.
In 2020, remittances from seafarers and maritime workers reached $6.14 billion, hence seafaring is one of the major contributors to the GDP of the country.
2. China
Beijing has maintained its place as the second-biggest seafarer supplier in the world, and its seafarers account for about 33% of the total sea-based workforce.
The supply of officers is increasing and though domestic-flagged ships are the largest employer, officers are also found internationally on all kinds of vessels.
For those looking at a career as a rating, the employment market in mainland China is strong. Along with the growth in the economy, there is a demand for skilled labour that competes with the option of work at sea, leading to higher than usual pay increases for ratings as employers compete with not just other options at sea but also onshore demand.
In 2023, Beijing had 250,000 seafarers, including 120,000 ratings and 130,000 officers.
The factors for China maintaining its position include its large population and labour pool, including its robust shipbuilding sector, a vast network of specialised ports and shipping companies that create a demand for skilled seafaring personnel.
3. India
India is the 3rd biggest supplier of efficient seafarers in the world. Indian Seafarers comprise about 10% of the global maritime workforce.
In the past five to seven years, India witnessed a 42.3% rise in the number of shipboard jobs available for Indian seafarers, on both domestic and foreign ships.
India is also present on the International Maritime Organization’s White List, which shows its full compliance with the STCW-95 Convention and Code. Its presence in the list enhances its appeal for Indian seafarers to shipping firms.
According to experts, the percentage of Indian sailors in the international maritime sector is estimated to increase by 20% in the coming decade, due to the presence of reputable maritime training institutes producing qualified personnel, rising literacy rates, ageing seafarer population in Europe and English proficiency among Indians.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia stands in 4th place, on the list of the largest seafarer-supplying nations in the world. This is because of its strategic location as the world’s largest archipelago, with more than 17,000 islands lying near key maritime trade routes, making it a centre for shipping.
The world’s largest island nation has much more potential which can be maximised through new route openings, fleet rejuvenation and training that meets international standards.
The country’s maritime institutes are focussing on training programs focussed on enhancing technical efficiency, safety practices, leadership skills and communication skills.
As of 2023, it had 140,000 seafarers, including 80,000 ratings and 60,000 officers. This number could increase as Indonesia has a relatively large young population and a rich maritime history and culture which prompts its people to choose seafaring.
The government has also taken initiatives since seafaring is vital for its economy. It is promoting quality maritime education, developing infrastructure and trying to attract foreign investment.
5. Russia
According to the BIMCO Report, 2023, there were 110,000 Russian seafarers, including 60,000 ratings and 50,000 officers.
Russia has a longstanding history of maritime trade, and a strong shipbuilding sector with more than 150 enterprises in coastal cities like St.Petersburg, Vladivostok and Kaliningrad.
Moscow also relies heavily on the exports of oil, gas, coal and other raw materials via seaways which creates demand for skilled seafarers to manage its operations.
This can also be why most Russian seafarers can be found on oil and gas tankers, followed by bulk carriers, container ships and fishing vessels.
Russia has around 67 seaports, with advanced infrastructure which supports the training of seafarers.
6. Ukraine
There are 96,000 Ukrainian seafarers with 50,000 ratings and 46,000 officers.
Ukraine is one of the largest providers of seafarers to the global maritime industry. Their seafarers have strong practical and theoretical knowledge and are known for their professionalism. They are well-versed in English and get along with crew from other countries.
Ukrainian seafarers can go to Schengen countries and other EU nations without a visa and visa procedures in some countries like the USA are simplified, thus it makes organising transport for rotations quite easy.
They are also known for their strong work ethic and dedication.
7. Greece
There are approximately 70,000 Greek seafarers in the maritime industry, including 25,000 ratings and 45,000 officers.
Greece has the second-largest merchant fleet in the world, controlling around 20% of deadweight tonnage and 60% of the EU fleet. This creates a high demand for seafarers to operate Greek-owned ships, including tankers, LNG carriers, container carriers etc.
Greek people have had a strong connection with the sea since ancient times, which encouraged people to pursue a career in shipping, which is also one of the largest contributors to GDP and a generator of significant employment in the country.
Shipping creates around 150,000 jobs and generates about 40 billion dollars annually. Greece is also known for its sophisticated maritime academies and training institutions which produce disciplined and skilled sailors.
8. Turkiye
There are around 65,000 Turkish seafarers, including 30,000 ratings and 35,000 officers in the maritime industry.
Turkiye’s strategic geographical location between Europe, Asia and the Middle East makes for a strong maritime industry, famous for its shipyards known for their expertise in building all kinds of vessels.
Istanbul is a hub of maritime activities and the country’s proximity to key shipping routes in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, leads to the development of a considerable maritime workforce.
Its extensive coastline and numerous ports foster interest among the youth to join the maritime industry as sailors, with turkish seafarers not only finding employment on Turkish-flagged vessels but also on foreign ships.
Turkiye is also known for its established maritime institutes that train seafarers to meet international standards. They also offer a cost-effective labour option for shipping companies, compared to their Western European counterparts.
9. Myanmar
Myanmar is also one of the biggest providers of skilled seamen to the shipping industry. This is due to several reasons like a large population, especially youth seeking employment, coupled with a tradition of seafaring and relatively high income opportunities in maritime compared to other sectors in the country.
Additionally, the government promotes improvements in maritime transportation and education by supporting the young generation. Many females from the country are also entering the profession.
Myanmar also has reputable institutions like the Myanmar Maritime University and Myanmar Mercantile Marine College, which ensure a regular supply of skilled marine professionals.
Seafarers from the country often seek work on foreign vessels through agents and brokers. Today, there are around 60,000 seafarers from Myanmar, including 35,000 ratings and 25,000 officers in the international merchant fleet.
10. Vietnam
There are around 55,000 Vietnamese seafarers in the world, comprising 30,000 ratings and 25,000 officers. The country’s long coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, the South China Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin offer a strategic benefit for maritime trade and transport.
Vietnam’s marine sector is constantly developing, attracting more labour forces at sea. There are also many major port cities like Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, that handle significant cargo throughput and container volumes.
Vietnam is also a leading shipowner in the world with a significant shipping fleet, which creates opportunities for the youth to join its maritime industry. Seafaring is seen as a lucrative career by the Vietnamese as it offers opportunities for better living standards and remittances back home.
Culled from Marine Insight