Seafarer abandonment is an intentional abuse of seafarers’ human and labour rights and is a spiralling, systemic problem in the industry: record ship abandonment figures in 2025 marked the sixth year in a row of record-breaking abandonment, and a 31% year-on-year increase in abandonment.
A ship is
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Restrictions on freedom of association and collective bargaining are critical risks for seafarers and undermine the protection of all other labour rights at sea. Despite being fundamental rights under ILO Conventions 87 and 98 and reinforced by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), these rights are
The rapid introduction of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation and alternative fuels, is transforming maritime shipping but also creating new and often under-recognised risks for seafarers. These risks arise when technological change is implemented without adequate
Violence and harassment are systemic and serious risks in maritime shipping, recognised under ILO Convention 190 as violations of human rights and occupational safety and health. Seafarers operate in isolated, confined and highly hierarchical environments, which can increase exposure to bullying
Access to safe, clean and adequate sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right and a core component of decent working and living conditions under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). However, seafarers often face significant risks where sanitation standards are inadequate, poorly maintained
In maritime transport, risks arise where seafarers are recruited through intermediaries, deceived about terms and conditions, subjected to delayed of non-payment wages, or prevented from leaving ships at the end of contracts. Isolation at sea, long periods away from home and limited access to
Discrimination remains a significant and structural risk for seafarers in maritime supply chains, undermining equal access to decent work, fair treatment and career progression. Seafarers are often recruited from a limited number of labour-supplying countries, creating hierarchies on board vesselshi
The MLC includes many provisions for a healthy and safe environment on ships, including the maximum length of time on board, the right to shore leave, the right to medical treatment, the crewing of ships, and the standards of accommodation and food.
There are a range of occupational safety and
