29/05/2026
With the year on year increase in reported cases of seafarer abandonment, maritime systems of governance are failing seafarers. We’re proud to be co-funding this new research from the World Maritime University which will explore shortcomings in the international protections for seafarers and explore the impacts on them and their families.
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The Seafarers’ Charity ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation ITF Seafarers' Support
In response to the alarming rise in reported seafarer abandonment cases, the World Maritime University has launched a major international research initiative to examine how existing international protections, particularly those under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), are implemented across flag, port, and labour-supplying States.
The continually growing abandonment numbers are deeply concerning with a total number of 410 new cases in 2025, affecting more than 6,000 seafarers. Behind every statistic are real people and families facing financial hardship, psychological trauma, and uncertainty.
With support from The TK Foundation, ITF Seafarers Trust, and The Seafarers’ Charity, the collaborative research aims to identify gaps in enforcement, understand the lived experiences of abandoned seafarers, and provide evidence-based recommendations for meaningful reform.
Learn more: www.wmu.se/news/wmu-launches-research-seafarer-abandonment
International Maritime Organization - IMO ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation
