Forecast: Industry Will Need
Almost 150,000 More Seafarers by 2025
Unless seafarer training levels are increased significantly, the growth
in demand for seafarers could generate a serious shortage in the total supply of officers
as the latest five-year BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report forecasts that an
additional 147,500 officers will be required by 2025 to service the world merchant fleet.
Launched
at the International Maritime Organization, the reports identifies that
the current shortfall stands at 2.1%, amounting to some
16,500 officers, while some officer categories are in a really short
supply, including engineer officers at management level and officers needed for
specialised ships such as chemical, LNG and LPG carriers. However, unless
training levels rise, a shortage in total supply of officers could emerge.“China is thought to have overtaken
the Philippines as the largest single source of seafarers qualified for
international trade. While data from international shipping companies
suggests that the extent to which Chinese seafarers are available for
international service may be more limited, the Philippines and Russia are seen
as equally important sources of officers, followed closely by Ukraine and
India.
But, No end to Ratings' struggle
The
report estimates that there is a current surplus of 15.8%, about
119,000 ratings, with demand only having increased by about 1% since 2010.
Witnessing no increase in Demand of Ratings, their struggle to get a job will
continue.
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