India becomes world's second-largest supplier of seafarers: BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026
According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, cited by the Shipping Ministry on 28 July 2026, India is the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers with 311,936 professionals, or 12.16% of the global workforce, behind only the Philippines.
Summary
India contributes 311,936 maritime professionals – 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce – and ranks second behind the Philippines, ahead of China, Russia and Indonesia, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. Indian officers make up 13.41% of the world's officer workforce. In 2015 India supplied only 5.2% of seafarers and ranked fifth. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said its 'Mission 20%' aims to make one in every five global seafarers an Indian.
Key facts
- Report
- BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026
- India's rank
- 2nd (behind the Philippines)
- Indian seafarers
- 311,936 (12.16% of global)
- Officers
- 13.41% of world officer workforce
- 2015 position
- 5th, 5.2% share
- Target
- Mission 20% – one in five global seafarers
Practice MCQs 1 questions
According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, which country is the largest supplier of seafarers, ahead of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Philippines
India ranks second with 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, behind only the Philippines and ahead of China, Russia and Indonesia.