BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026: India Becomes World's 2nd-Largest Supplier of Seafarers

1 August 2026National

Per the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, released by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), India became the world's 2nd-largest supplier of seafarers with 311,936 professionals (12.16% of the global workforce) — ranking behind the Philippines and ahead of China, Russia and Indonesia. India rose from 5th in 2015 (5.2% share) to 2nd in 2026, contributing 140,718 officers (13.41% of global officers) and 171,218 ratings (11.29% of global ratings). The report estimates global seafarer supply at 2.57 million against demand of 2.55 million.

Static GK

Largest seafarer supplier: Philippines | Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal | BIMCO HQ: Denmark | ICS HQ: London | National Maritime Day (India): 5 April

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India is now the world's 2nd-largest supplier of seafarers (311,936 professionals, 12.16% share) per the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, up from 5th in 2015; the Philippines remains No. 1.

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