India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Supplier Of Seafarers

Recently, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026

India’s Rise in Global Seafaring Workforce

According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India contributes 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce.

• India has moved from the fifth position in 2015 to the second position in 2026, demonstrating significant growth in its maritime manpower capabilities.
• In 2015, India accounted for only 5.2% of the global seafaring workforce, which increased to 6% in 2021 before rising sharply to 12.16% in 2026.
• India now ranks second globally after the Philippines and ahead of China, the Russian Federation and Indonesia in supplying seafarers.
• India’s contribution is particularly strong in the officer category, with 140,718 officers representing 13.41% of the global officer workforce.
• The country also supplies 171,218 ratings, contributing 11.29% of the global ratings serving aboard merchant vessels.
• The growing presence of Indian seafarers strengthens India’s role in supporting international trade and meeting the rising demand for skilled maritime professionals.

Factors Behind India’s Rise in Global Seafaring Workforce

India’s emergence as a leading supplier of seafarers has been driven by continuous reforms in maritime education, skill development, regulatory modernisation and alignment with global shipping standards.

• Expansion of maritime education and training infrastructure has increased the availability of skilled professionals capable of meeting the requirements of the international shipping industry.
• Modernisation of maritime training institutes and improvement in shipboard training opportunities have enhanced the practical skills and employability of Indian seafarers.
• Digitisation of seafarer certification, documentation and regulatory services through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has improved transparency, efficiency and ease of access for maritime professionals.
• India has strengthened compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), ensuring global recognition of Indian seafarers.
• The government has introduced major maritime sector reforms, including the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, to create a modern regulatory framework for inland water transport.
• Legislative reforms such as the 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 have modernised maritime governance and aligned Indian laws with international conventions.
• These reforms have focused on improving seafarer welfare, simplifying regulatory procedures, strengthening maritime safety and promoting ease of doing business in the shipping sector.
• Greater focus on skill development, industry-academia partnerships and adoption of digital technologies has improved the global competitiveness of Indian maritime professionals.
• Initiatives under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 have provided a long-term roadmap for developing India as a leading maritime nation.

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Mission 20%: India’s Future Roadmap

Building on these reforms and the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals, the government has launched Mission 20% to further strengthen India’s position in the global seafaring sector.

• The initiative aims to increase India’s share of the global seafaring workforce from the current 12.16% to 20%, ensuring greater participation of Indian professionals in international shipping.
• Mission 20% focuses on expanding maritime training capacity, improving shipboard training opportunities and strengthening industry-academia partnerships to create a future-ready workforce.
• The initiative also promotes the use of digital technologies in maritime education and aims to increase the participation of women in seafaring careers.
• The long-term vision is to ensure that one out of every five seafarers serving on merchant ships globally is an Indian professional recognised for competence, professionalism and excellence.

About BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026

The BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report is a globally recognised report that analyses the availability and demand of seafarers in the global maritime industry.

• The report provides insights into global workforce trends, seafarer supply, demand patterns and future manpower requirements of the shipping sector.
• The 2026 edition highlights the shortage of qualified officers worldwide, creating a growing demand for skilled maritime professionals.
• It estimates the global seafaring workforce at 2.57 million, while the demand stands at 2.55 million, indicating a tight maritime labour market.
• The report highlights India’s growing importance as a major supplier of skilled seafarers and its role in supporting global shipping operations.