Lessons Learned from the Associated Press’ Coverage of Seafarers Left Stranded by Shipowners in Ports

The United Nations has reported a troubling trend of shipowners abandoning crew members, leaving them stranded for months or even years without pay. Last year alone, more than 2,000 seafarers on approximately 150 ships were abandoned, marking the highest number of cases in the past two decades.

The spike in abandonments can be attributed to various factors, including rising fuel costs, debt, unexpected repairs, and the disruptions caused by the global pandemic. As shipping traffic faced cancellations, delays, and quarantine restrictions, many ships were left in disarray. Additionally, the surge in demand for products during the pandemic led to a rush of new orders for ships, only to see global trade shrink shortly after.

Advocates for seafarers point out that many abandoned ships are barely seaworthy and operate on less profitable routes, making them unattractive to major container lines. The Maritime Labor Convention, considered a bill of rights for seafarers, outlines the responsibilities of flag states in ensuring the welfare of abandoned crews.

Despite these regulations, enforcement remains a challenge, with nearly half of abandoned ships lacking insurance coverage. Countries with large ship registries, such as Panama, Tanzania, Palau, and Togo, are among the top flag states with abandoned ships. The lack of oversight in these “flags of convenience” contributes to the problem.

Efforts to address the issue are ongoing, but the complex nature of ship abandonment requires a coordinated international response to protect the rights and well-being of seafarers.