Delinquent Shipowners Abandoned a Record 3,100 Seafarers in 2024

Seafarer abandonment cases are soaring, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, and the numbers hit an unwanted all-time record in 2024. ITF blames the growing problem on the lack of enforcement that low-quality shipowners can obtain from the lowest-quality open registries.

Abandonment is not a feature of name-brand global operators. The cases are concentrated among the oldest, most worn-down vessels with little-known shipowners. By walking away, disreputable or bankrupt owners save on the cost of back wages, cre…