The Seafarer Workforce Report 2021 provides a comprehensive overview of the supply and demand balance for STCW certified seafarers qualified to work on board the world merchant fleet. Seafarers are central to the safe and efficient operation of the global maritime transportation system, and the COVID-19 pandemic has
brought the essential role of the global seafarer workforce to the forefront of the world’s attention. Charting the course of developments within the global seafarer workforce has never been more important.

Prepared jointly by BIMCO and ICS every five years, the report publishes estimates of:

The balance between the global supply of qualified and competent seafarers available for service on ships trading internationally, and the industry’s demand for seafarers to operate the world merchant fleet;
The composition of the seafarer workforce that operate the world merchant fleet, including demographic information on nationality, rank/role, age profiles and gender; and
The anticipated future growth of the world merchant fleet over the next five years and the potential implications for the global supply and demand of the seafarer workforce.