Shipping Talent is Running Dry
We read in the news how unemployment is on the rise and jobs are in decline.
In contrast, the global shipping industry is currently experiencing a severe talent shortage. In fact, the gap between demand and supply for skilled seafarers is growing considerably.
There are justified reasons for this with ageing workforces, high crew turnover, and regulatory requirements making it harder for shipowners to attract and retain top maritime professionals. We also witness younger generations being less inclined to pursue seafaring careers. For them concerns are with work-life balance, long contracts, and limited career progression.
The DBCE are helping turn the tide on these trends. Embedding the DryBMS framework into an organisation provides shipowners with structured solutions to the problem. It helps improve recruitment, career development and the long-term retention of maritime talent.
Why the Maritime Industry is Facing a Talent Crisis
There are a number of factors fuelling the current shortage of dry shipping staff.
Ageing Workforce. Many senior officers are approaching retirement. Nothing new there, except in today’s market there are fewer new entrants to replace them.
High Turnover Rates. Staff are less accepting of long contracts, tough working conditions, and poor welfare support. This is leading to many seafarers leaving the industry early.
Declining Interest in Maritime Careers. It’s a fact that younger professionals are choosing alternative industries that offer them better career flexibility.
Skills Shortages in Key Areas. There is currently a lack of well-trained and experienced engineers and officers. This shortfall is seriously affecting fleet operations.
Rising Recruitment & Training Costs. Replacing lost talent comes at a price, with significant investment required for training and hiring processes.
Building a Future-Ready Maritime Workforce
For reasons we’ve discussed, we can see the talent shortage is a real problem that requires an industry rethink. In order to attract and retain top seafaring talent the global maritime industry must be prepared to adapt to shifting workforce dynamics.
It’s only by embracing a modern, crew focussed approach the industry can look forward to improving retention, enhancing ship safety, and increasing operational efficiency.
Discover how the DryBMS framework can help your organisation recruit and retain top professionals. Find out more and subscribe here.
