Even as the number of vessels has seen exponential growth in recent years, the shipping industry is grappling with a great challenge—a shortage of seafarers.
According to Rhett Harris, senior manning analyst at independent maritime research consultancy, Drewry, there has been a consistent shortage of seafarers to man the growing number of vessels, forcing the companies to employ seafarers with less experience than they would ideally like.
Particularly short in supply are those in the higher ranks, especially engineers. This shortage is reportedly leading to disruption of supply chains.
Why the shortage?
One of the reasons for the short supply of seafarers is the Russia-Ukraine conflict as both these countries used to provide a large number of professional seafarers. Besides, the Houthi militant group targetting vessels in the Red Sea is making the profession increasingly dangerous and thereby less attractive.
Besides, youngsters prioritising work-life balance has added to the woes of the maritime sector as long stretches away from home, at sea with scant connectivity are seen as not desirable despite the high pay.
How bad is the shortage?
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) expects a shortage of 90,000 trained seafarers by 2026.
“It is vital that we actively recruit a more diverse workforce if we are to meet the shortfall of seafarers needed to keep the industry thriving, it is one of the biggest challenges our industry is facing at the moment,” CNBC quoted the organisation as saying.
CNBC cited analysts as saying that in the wake of this shortage, fake resumes are becoming increasingly prevalent. “There are a lot of people who are polishing their CVs to get higher ranks and higher salaries,” Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists Group has been quoted as saying.
