India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers with 311,936 Professionals

According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India now accounts for 12.16 per cent of the global seafaring workforce, placing it behind only the Philippines and ahead of China, the Russian Federation and Indonesia.

The latest report highlights a major transformation in India’s maritime sector. In 2015, India contributed only 5.2 per cent of the world’s seafarers and ranked fifth globally, behind China, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Russian Federation.

By 2021, India’s share of the global seafaring workforce had increased to 6 per cent, although the country continued to remain in fifth position. The latest BIMCO-ICS report records a decisive breakthrough, with India moving up to the second position globally.

The achievement reflects the growing contribution of Indian maritime professionals to the global shipping industry. With 311,936 seafarers now representing 12.16 per cent of the world’s seafaring workforce, India has secured a prominent position among the leading suppliers of maritime talent worldwide.

The BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 marks a significant shift in the global ranking of seafaring nations, placing India ahead of several major maritime countries and confirming its expanded role in the international shipping sector.