India has become the world’s second-largest supplier of skilled seafarers, surpassing China and strengthening its position as a major global maritime workforce provider. According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India now contributes 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce. The country ranks behind only the Philippines, while moving ahead of China, Russia, and Indonesia.This achievement marks a significant milestone for the India shipping industry and highlights the country’s growing role in global maritime employment and international shipping operations.India’s Rise in the World Seafarers RankingThe report shows that India’s share of the global maritime workforce has more than doubled over the past decade. In 2015, India contributed only 5.2% of the world’s seafarers and ranked fifth globally. By 2021, the share had increased slightly to 6%, but India remained in fifth place. The 2026 report records a major breakthrough, with India rising to second place worldwide.Out of the total 311,936 India seafarers, the country supplies 140,718 ship officers and 171,218 ratings serving aboard merchant vessels. Indian officers alone account for 13.41% of the world’s officer workforce, while Indian ratings represent 11.29% of the global ratings workforce.Related Instagram Post :India Becomes World’s Second Largest SupplierWhy India’s Maritime Workforce Is GrowingThe global maritime workforce currently stands at approximately 2.57 million seafarers, while demand has reached 2.55 million, creating a tight labour market and a continuing shortage of qualified officers. This has increased the demand for trained India skilled seafarers, making the country an important source of manpower for international shipping companies.Experts say India’s rise has been driven by expansion of maritime education, modern training infrastructure, digitisation of certification services through the Directorate General of Shipping, and stronger compliance with international STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping) standards.Government Push and Mission 20%Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the report and said India’s rise from fifth place in 2015 to second place in 2026 reflects sustained reforms and investments in the maritime sector.The government is now pursuing Mission 20%, an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing India’s share of the global seafaring workforce from 12.16% to 20%. The plan includes expanding maritime training capacity, strengthening shipboard training opportunities, promoting industry-academia partnerships, and creating greater employment opportunities for young Indians, including women.With the India shipping industry continuing to expand and global demand for skilled officers remaining high, India is expected to play an even larger role in the future of international maritime trade. The latest world seafarers ranking reinforces the country’s emergence as a leading hub for maritime talent and professional seafaring expertise.
