In a remarkable turnaround, India has overtaken China to become the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. This milestone comes with the provision of approximately 311,936 skilled maritime professionals, amounting to a substantial 12.16% of the global seafarer workforce—just behind the Philippines and ahead of China, Russia, and Indonesia. This achievement is a noteworthy leap from India’s 5.2% share in 2015, reflecting a consistent growth trajectory over the last decade.
India’s advancement in the maritime sector is not just quantitative; there has been a tangible increase in the quality and availability of skilled personnel. Particularly, the country has seen significant growth in its officer cadre, supplying around 140,718 maritime officers, which comprise about 13.41% of the total officer workforce globally. Meanwhile, the number of Indian ratings—those without formal officer training but still qualified to work on ships—stands at around 171,218, representing 11.29% of the global ratings.
The global demand for seafarers currently stands at approximately 2.55 million, with the overall seafarer population at around 2.57 million. This slight oversupply creates a critical labor shortage that underscores the necessity for countries like India to ramp up their training and educational efforts in the maritime sector.
Over the last decade, various reforms by the Indian government have significantly advanced maritime education and training. Initiatives to bolster modern training infrastructure, increase educational seat capacity, and digitize the seafarer certification process through institutions like the Directorate General of Shipping have played a crucial role. These reforms ensure that Indian seafarers remain competitive and compliant with the internationally recognized Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping (STCW).
The reforms also include key legislative changes: the Inland Vessels Act, 2021; the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025; the Indian Ports Act, 2025; the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025; the Bills of Lading Act, 2025; and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025. These laws aim to modernize maritime governance, enhance seafarer welfare, and streamline administrative procedures, making it easier for seafarers to obtain necessary certifications while working aboard vessels globally.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has expressed optimism regarding this achievement, attributing the success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision for reshaping India’s maritime ecosystem over the past 12 years. With significant investments in the maritime sector, young cadets have ample opportunity to compete on the global stage.
India’s ascension to the second position in the global seafarer supply chain not only marks a significant milestone but also reflects the growing credibility of Indian maritime professionals in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The government aims to elevate India’s share in the global seafarer workforce from 12.16% to 20% under the ambitious Mission 20%. The vision entails that one in every five seafarers sailing on ships worldwide will be Indian.
Despite this success, the shipping industry continues to grapple with challenges, particularly regarding the shortage of qualified and well-trained professionals. Thus, expanding education and training frameworks and developing internationally recognized training standards are critical to addressing this issue. Initiatives like the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 are designed to guide future growth and sustainability in the industry.