AMWS News 2026
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Mission to Seafarers Conference. Adelaide, 17th to 19th February 2026.
Contact MTS for full details or see the MTS webpage via the following link. https://www.mts.org.au/conference-2026 |
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Seafarer Abandonment Crisis: Thousands left behind in Shipping's Worst Year (2025) on Record. ITF Seafarers New Report, 22nd January 2026
Seafarer abandonment has reached its highest level on record, with new data showing 6,223 seafarers abandoned across 410 vessels in 2025 — a 32% increase on the previous year and the sixth consecutive annual rise in cases. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reports that affected crews were owed USD25.8 million in unpaid wages, of which USD16.5 million has been recovered. Abandonment, as defined by international conventions, includes failure to repatriate seafarers, non-payment of wages for at least two months, and denial of basic maintenance and support. Indian seafarers were the most affected nationality, with more than 1,100 cases, followed by Filipino and Syrian crews. The Middle East and Europe recorded the highest number of incidents, with Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates topping the list of countries where abandonments occurred. Flags of Convenience (FOCs) remain central to the crisis, with 82% of abandoned vessels operating under FOC registries, most notably Panama. The ITF is calling for stronger accountability measures, including mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership, national blacklisting of repeat offenders, and enhanced powers for the International Maritime Organization to coordinate enforcement. Access the complete ITF article here >> |
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WA Governments' Ports Minister to Review Welfare Levy Options for Seafarer Support. Human Rights at Sea, 16th December 2025
Western Australian Minister for Ports, Hon Stephen Dawson, has confirmed that the Ports WA Forum will review the potential use of welfare levies to support seafarer welfare initiatives across the state. The forum brings together all Western Australian port authorities and relevant government agencies to consider shared priorities. The Minister acknowledged the vital role played by around 260,000 seafarers in connecting Western Australia to global markets and recognised the challenging conditions they often face at sea. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to seafarer welfare, including support for sustainable funding models to maintain welfare facilities and services, with port authorities already contributing both financially and in kind. A recent example includes the development of a new Seafarer Centre at Port Hedland through collaboration between government and industry. Access the HRAS article here >> |
