HyThe United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights Asia as the dominant provider of seafarers globally. In 2021, four of the top five countries supplying seafarers were from this region, underscoring its significant role in maritime trade. The report, released on November 18, 2021, notes that during 2020, Asia maintained a 41% share of total goods loaded and saw increases in the volume of goods discharged, reinforcing its position as the leading seafarer supply region.
The Philippines emerged as the largest provider of both seafarers and officers, with Indonesia, China, and India also making significant contributions. The economic impact of seafarers on their home countries is substantial; for instance, the Philippines earned $6.5 billion in remittances from its seafarers in 2019, albeit with slight declines in 2020 due to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic triggered a crew change crisis, leaving many seafarers stranded at sea beyond their contracts, while others struggled to embark. Recognizing the critical role of seafarers in maintaining sustainable shipping practices, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) took steps to address issues surrounding crew changes, medical access, and prioritizing vaccinations for seafarers. These measures were endorsed by various stakeholders, including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and formed part of discussions at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), resulting in the establishment of the “Just Transition Maritime Task Force” aimed at supporting seafarers amid shipping’s green transition.
Moreover, Asia is also making strides in gender equality within the maritime sector. UNCTAD’s TrainForTrade Port Management program indicates that female representation in port management and administrative roles in Asia exceeds that of Europe, with women holding 52% of such positions compared to 39% in Europe.
The pandemic’s impact on Asian trade varied significantly, especially on the Transpacific route, where container volumes initially dropped by 13% in early 2020 but rebounded with a 36% increase later that year to meet rising consumer demand. In contrast, trade routes between Asia and Europe saw declines but overall, Asia’s container port throughput only fell marginally by 0.4%, illustrating resilience.
Asian economies continue to lead in liner shipping connectivity, with the top five most-connected nations—including China and Singapore—demonstrating further integration of the region into global trade networks. However, projections suggest a slowdown in the annual growth of maritime trade to 2.4% between 2022 and 2026, down from 2.9% over the previous two decades. Despite initial fears about the pandemic’s impact on trade, the long-term effects are expected to reshape the maritime landscape.
In summary, Asia is cementing its status as a pivotal player in global maritime trade and the seafarer workforce, characterized by resilience, gender equality advancements, and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by recent crises.
