Philippines seafarer deployment falls 54% during the pandemic

by The Editorial Team 

July 22, 2021

The Philippines status as the world’s largest supplier of seafarers took a huge hit in 2020, with Covid-19 leading to lockdowns, causing the crew change crisis.

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More specifically, according to Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the total number of seafarers deployed overseas from the country fell 54% in 2020 to 217,223, in comparison to 469,996 in 2019.

The largest fall was reported in the non-maritime sector, such as hotel staff to cruise ships. What is more, the number of officers onboard international vessels also fell 48%, while the same happened to lower ranks, which reported a 44% drop in numbers deployed in 2020.

On the other hand, the cargo shipping sector held up well as far as volumes are concerned, but the crew change crisis hugely affected many major crewing nations in Asia.                  

As for the Philippines specifically, it faced strict lockdowns that have affected both international and domestic travel. According to figures, the Philippines green lane for seafarers opening at the beginning of July last year has been limited in ability to normalise the crew change process.

What is more, travel restrictions within the Philippines mean that seafarers arrive back in the capital only to be stranded there.