According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are 1,145 abandonment incidents listed in joint IMO/ILO database since it was established in 2004, concerning 16,569 seafarers.
Overview of abandonment incidents
Of the total incidents, 641 cases were resolved, 210 cases were disputed, and 113 cases were inactive. There were still 181 unresolved cases. From 2011 to 2016, the number of cases per year ranged from 12 to 19. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the cases reported increased drastically. In 2017, there were 55 cases reported, 14 of which were resolved that year, and 8 that were resolved in 2018. In 2018, the total number of reported cases was 44, and of these, 22 cases had been resolved. In 2019, the total number of reported cases was 40, and of these, 20 cases had so far been resolved.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Although a direct linkage is unclear, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been another alarming spike in cases. In 2020, the total number of reported cases was 85, and of these, 53 cases have so far been resolved. In 2021, the total number of reported cases was 95, and of these, only 63 have been resolved. Approximately 21 of the cases reported since 1 January 2020 were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbating the crew change situation of seafarers at the time.
Cases reported in 2022
In 2022, a total of 109 cases were reported. Of these, only 69 have been resolved so far. Of the cases reported in 2022, 15 involved flag States that had not ratified MLC, 2006. States that have not yet ratified MLC, 2006 are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Cases reported in 2023
In 2023, a total of 142 new cases were reported, thus alarmingly surpassing the previous year’s record. This number included 10 new cases already reported in late 2022 but published at the start of 2023 (10 working days after their reporting). In 62 reported cases, there was no obligatory financial guarantee. Of the cases reported in 2023, seven concerned the abandonment of fishers.
Cases reported in 2024
From 1 January 2024 to 20 December 2024, a total of 310 cases have been reported, thus alarmingly surpassing all previous year’s records. In 144 reported cases, there was no obligatory financial guarantee. Of the cases reported in 2024, 13 concerned the abandonment of fishers.
Amendments to MLC, 2006 and their impact
Following the entry into force on 18 January 2017 of the 2014 amendments to MLC, 2006 concerning financial security in cases of abandonment, 874 abandonment cases were reported to the joint IMO/ILO database.
Unresolved cases and call to action
Between 18 January 2017 and 20 December 2024, there were 35 reported cases of abandonment where the flag State was a party to MLC, 2006 but had not sent their declaration of acceptance of the 2014 amendments to ILO. Of these 35 cases, only 15 have been resolved, while the other 20 are still being disputed or unresolved. In view of the growing number of abandonment cases concerning flag States that are parties to MLC, 2006 but have not sent their declaration of acceptance of the 2014 amendments to ILO, these States are urgently encouraged to do so at their earliest convenience.
The report including the abandonment data was submitted by ILO for IMO’s upcoming 112th Session (22-26 April 2024) of the Legal Committee (LEG), which deals with any legal matters within IMO’s scope. This includes liability and compensation issues related to the operation of ships, including damage, pollution, passenger claims, and wreck removal. The Committee also addresses seafarer matters, including the fair treatment of seafarers, and issues concerning unlawful activities at sea which affect the safety of navigation.
To remind, IMO and ILO have adopted measures in 2022 to improve conditions for seafarers, including those who have been abandoned. The guidelines address the sharp rise in crew abandonment cases, aiming to enhance coordination among flag States, port States, seafarers’ home States, and recruitment service States to expedite case resolution, ensure payment of wages, and facilitate repatriation.
