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The BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 ranks India the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, with a 12.16% share of the global seafaring workforce, behind only the Philippines. India contributes 311,936 maritime professionals, up from fifth place with just 5.2% in 2015. A seafarer is a person who works on or travels regularly by sea, such as a sailor, mariner, or crew member.
Context
The Report
- Published jointly by BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) and the ICS (International Chamber of Shipping).
- Released every five years and regarded by the global maritime industry as the most authoritative assessment of seafarer supply and demand.
The Numbers at a Glance
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Report | BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 (published every 5 years) |
| India’s rank | 2nd, behind the Philippines |
| Total Indian seafarers | 311,936 |
| India’s global share | 12.16% |
India’s Climb
| Year | Share | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5.2% | 5th (behind China, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia) |
| 2021 | 6% | 5th |
| 2026 | 12.16% | 2nd (ahead of China, Russia, Indonesia) |
- India has overtaken China; its share has more than doubled in a decade.
- Ranked ahead of China, the Russian Federation and Indonesia.
Mission 20 Per Cent
- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal: the government is pursuing “Mission 20%” — raising India’s share from 12.16% to 20%.
- “Mission 20% is our next national milestone.”
- Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
