The recently published BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report has given the maritime industry warning that the global shortage of deck and engineer officers is set to grow over the next decade, with research estimating the current shortfall in seafarer officer numbers as 16,500 rising to 92,000 by 2020.
Leading ship management company Norbulk Shipping has warned that the shortage of officers highlighted in the BIMCO/ICS Manpower report, could lead to an accelerated level of competition between ship managers.
Glasgow-based Norbulk Shipping believes that despite the worrying prediction that there will be a shortfall of 147,500 officers over the next ten years, quality ship owners could in fact benefit from the lack of qualified officers.
Director of Nobulk Shipping Peter Karlsen said:
“Although the figures published in the report are very worrying, we could see something positive coming out of it. The shortage of skilled officers could actually lead to more competition between the operators.”
“Experienced officers will have a greater choice of employers, which may give an advantage to quality ship managers and owners. Those who have built up a good reputation and offer a high standard of crew welfare will have a better chance of recruiting the experienced officers.”
Thome has described as ‘worrying’, the suggestion by the latest BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report that officer shortages could be as high as 147,500 by 2025, and has called on fellow ship managers to redouble their efforts in promoting shipping as an attractive career option for young people.
“Shipping’s biggest asset is its seafarers and the industry needs to take seriously the findings of this report. Thome has always invested in its staff and is committed to the career advancement of its seafarers through its cadet programme which has provided the company with a good base of junior officers and the development of these officers to senior ranks is one of the priorities of the company,” said Claes Eek Thorstensen, President of the Thome Group.
“Interestingly, the report suggests that China has overtaken the Philippines as the largest single source of seafarers. As long as the Philippines can produce competent officers who can compete with other nationalities then it will continue to remain an important recruitment hub,” he added
In response, ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe commented:
‘Without continuing efforts to promote careers at sea and improve levels of recruitment and retention, the report suggests it cannot be guaranteed that there will be an abundant supply of seafarers in the future.’
With this year’s theme for Seafarers Awareness Week (20-26 June), being Maritime Jobs for Future Generations, there has never been a more timely campaign to promote UK maritime job opportunities, both at sea and ashore. Raising young children’s knowledge of the UK’s ongoing ‘island nation’ dependence on seafarers, and showcasing careers to the next generation, the week combines activities across the UK, highlighting the industry and uniting the sector.
Nick Harvey, Campaigns Manager, Seafarers UK, organisers of the week, said:
‘The report highlights the need to continually raise awareness of maritime jobs to ensure future seafarer supply. As part of the global maritime industry, the UK will not only benefit from the increasing number of future job opportunities for professionally-trained British seafarers, but by offering its range of world-class maritime training colleges to the wider global industry.’
