The Maritime Sector
by Numbers
5 data-driven challenges shaping the future of maritime education — SeaAhead Project
The Officer Shortage Crisis
The global merchant fleet faces an escalating talent crisis. Demand has already outpaced supply — and the gap is widening toward 2026.
Sources: BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report; EU Blue Economy Report 2024/2025 (European Commission)
Women at Sea: The 1% Reality
The maritime world remains one of the least gender-diverse sectors. The numbers reveal a stark picture — especially aboard ships.
of active seafarers worldwide are women
of the overall global maritime workforce are women (public & private combined)
of the private maritime sector (excluding seafarers) are women
Source: IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024 (International Maritime Organization)
Fleet Decarbonisation: A Slow Start
Maritime transport contributes significantly to EU transport emissions — yet the shift to alternative fuels is still in its infancy. Click a fuel type to explore.
Sources: EMSA EMTER Report; EU Blue Economy Observatory 2024/2025
Cyberattacks on Shipping: +103%
Maritime digitalisation has made fleets a high-value target. Attacks more than doubled in a single year — and now threaten the physical systems of vessels.
Sources: 2026 Maritime Cyber Threat White Paper (CYTUR); Maritime Cyber Attack Database (MCAD)
The Retirement Cliff Is Coming
The maritime workforce is top-heavy. Over half of all seafarers will retire within 15 years — with far too few young entrants to replace them.
Sources: BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report; UK Department for Transport Demographic Data
