The International Labour Organization (ILO) has concluded the latest round of minimum wage negotiations for able seafarers at a meeting of the Subcommittee on Wages of Seafarers of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC), held in Geneva on 14 and 15 April 2025.
This dialogue brought together shipowners and seafarers’ unions from around the world, coordinated by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). ILO’s 2006 Maritime Labour Convention mandates that the minimum monthly basic wage for an able seafarer be set periodically by the JMC.
Following the negotiations, a resolution was adopted setting out the updated minimum wage levels, to be submitted for approval by the 355th session of ILO’s Governing Body in November this year. The newly agreed figures are as follows:
- US$690 as of 1 January 2026
- US$704 as of 1 January 2027
- US$715 as of 1 January 2028
The updated wage structure represents an increase of more than 6% and builds on the previous three-year agreement concluded in September 2022, which set the minimum at US$673 as of 1 January 2025.
Seafarers play an indispensable role in keeping world trade flowing, often under tough and unpredictable conditions. These are not ordinary times, and this resolution reflects our respect for their service, while ensuring that shipowners can continue to operate in a highly competitive and volatile global market.
… said Pål Tangen spokesperson for the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
The negotiations in Geneva took place against the backdrop of the escalation in global trade tensions. In their opening remarks, both sides expressed concern about the current cloud of uncertainty and the prospect of a potential full-scale trade war, which could divide the world and reshape global trade, with shipping caught in the crosshairs and therefore impacting the lives and livelihoods of the world’s nearly two million seafarers.
The organizations highlighted that seafarers must not be collateral victims of global economic conflict and reaffirmed that fair trade must also mean fair treatment for those who keep global trade moving.
This week we have taken a further step to improve their welfare through pay rises that both retain and increase the value of the ILO AB minimum wage, taking into account increases in the cost of living since 2022
… commented Mark Dickinson from Nautilus International
Maritime transport remains the only industry with a formally recognised global minimum wage, in place for seafarers since 1958.
The outcome of this wholly unique global collective bargaining forum represents more than just a technical adjustment to the minimum wage. It reflects a shared responsibility and commitment to uphold decent work at sea
… Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO Sectoral Policies Department noted.
To remind, in another recent development, in a meeting at the International Labour Organization headquarters in Geneva, governments, shipowners and unions agreed MLC updates with a view to become effective in 2027. Among the suite of amendments agreed to improve the working and living conditions of seafarers on board ships were provisions for seafarers to be designated as key workers; strengthened requirements to support seafarer repatriation; new mandatory measures to ensure that they have access to shore leave without needing a visa or special permit; and enhanced protections against bullying and harassment.
