Archive · 29 Jul 2026
India becomes world's second-largest seafarer supplier
India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers in the world, providing 311,936 maritime professionals.
This is a big increase from 2015 when India was fifth.
The country now supplies 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, which is more than double what it was a decade ago.
India is especially strong in providing officers, making up 13.41% of the world's officer workforce.
The government is proud of this achievement and plans to increase India's share to 20% through initiatives like Mission 20%.
The global demand for seafarers is high, and India is playing a crucial role in meeting this need.
India is now the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, with 311,936 maritime professionals.
India accounts for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, up from 5.2% in 2015.
India supplies 140,718 officers, making up 13.41% of the world's officer workforce.
The global supply of seafarers is 2.57 million, with a demand of 2.55 million.
The Indian government aims to increase its share to 20% through Mission 20%.
- Who
- India, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
- What
- India has become the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers.
- When
- As of the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026.
- Where
- Globally, with a significant impact on the maritime industry.
- Why
- Due to increased investment in maritime education, training, and government initiatives.
Government Perspective
Industry Perspective
Achievement Attribution
Government Perspective
The government attributes India's rise to visionary leadership and transformative policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Industry Perspective
The industry highlights India's investment in education, training, and digital infrastructure as key factors.
Future Goals
Government Perspective
The government aims to increase India's share to 20% through Mission 20%.
Industry Perspective
The industry sees India as critical in meeting global officer shortages.
- Global Seafarer Supply
- 2.57 million
- Global Seafarer Demand
- 2.55 million
- India's Officer Workforce
- 140,718
- India's Ratings Workforce
- 171,218
- India's Global Share (2015)
- 5.2%
- India's Global Share (2026)
- 12.16%
- Government Initiative
- Mission 20%
Sources
India becomes world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, overtakes China and Russia
India becomes world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, overtakes China: Report
India Surpasses China To Become World's 2nd-Largest Supplier Of Seafarers: Why It Means Smooth Sail & Maritime Dominance
India emerges as world's second-largest supplier of seafarers
