International Shipping Faces 39,000-Strong Officer Shortage Amid Green Transition

International shipping faces a looming shortage of almost 39,000 STCW‑certified officers, according to the BIMCO‑ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. At the Malta Maritime Summit, International Chamber of Shipping Secretary‑General Thomas Kazakos warned that the gap will widen to 113,735 officers by 2030 unless governments, companies and unions act together. He urged a single global regulatory framework for decarbonisation, stressing the IMO’s role in setting a net‑zero fuel standard and emissions pricing. Kazakos also highlighted the need to make seafaring a more attractive career, calling for national programmes that support maritime education and clearer pathways into the profession. The industry’s shift to alternative fuels and digital systems is driving a review of the STCW Convention, which will address gaps in cyber‑security, mental health and new technology training.