India becomes world's second-largest supplier of sailors, says report
NEW DELHI: India has emerged as the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, accounting for 12.2% of the global seafaring workforce, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. The Philippines continues to hold the top position as the largest supplier of seafarers worldwide.
The report, published every five years, is widely regarded by the global maritime industry as the most authoritative assessment of seafarer supply and demand. It notes that India's share of the global seafarer workforce has doubled over the past five years.
Indian sailors are particularly prominent in the officer cadre. The country supplies over 1.4 lakh officers, representing 13.4% of the world's officer workforce. Additionally, 1.7 lakh ratings from India account for 11.29% of the global ratings serving aboard merchant vessels.
An official from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated, 'The BIMCO-ICS report is the most credible, and every maritime nation follows this. India's strength is particularly evident in the officer cadre.'
