GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Marine Industry Statistics

Maritime HR faces aging workforce, digital transformation, and gender diversity challenges.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The maritime industry has seen a 25% increase in HR digital recruitment platform usage over the last three years

Statistic 2

The implementation of remote HR management in maritime companies increased by 30% after 2020, due to COVID-19

Statistic 3

About 65% of maritime companies use AI-based tools for candidate screening and recruitment

Statistic 4

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the maritime industry are led by over 45% of HR departments, focusing on community and environmental impact

Statistic 5

Approximately 72% of maritime companies provide mental health support programs for their staff, reflecting growing concern for employee well-being

Statistic 6

The implementation of standardized HR policies across the maritime industry increased by 22% over the last three years, according to industry reports

Statistic 7

The success rate of maritime HR digital transformation initiatives is around 70%, with key challenges being change management and technology integration

Statistic 8

The use of blockchain technology for credential verification in maritime HR processes is emerging, with 12% of companies currently experimenting with it

Statistic 9

The proportion of maritime HR departments utilizing AI-powered chatbots for candidate inquiries has grown by 25% in the last two years, improving responsiveness

Statistic 10

Maritime HR departments report a 20% increase in investment in mental health and wellness programs over the last four years, reflecting a shift towards employee well-being

Statistic 11

Industry surveys suggest that 60% of maritime companies plan to invest more in sustainable HR practices in the next five years, emphasizing green initiatives

Statistic 12

Approximately 28% of maritime companies offer formal mentorship programs for new seafarers, aimed at improving retention and skill development

Statistic 13

The adoption rate of digital performance appraisal tools in maritime HR departments increased by 27% from 2020 to 2023, supporting performance management

Statistic 14

The use of AI-driven predictive analytics for crew scheduling is employed by 20% of maritime companies, aiming to optimize workforce deployment

Statistic 15

Approximately 18% of maritime HR professionals are involved in corporate sustainability and environmental initiatives, integrating them into HR policies

Statistic 16

The percentage of maritime companies with remote HR assistance platforms grew by 30% between 2020 and 2023, supporting global workforce management

Statistic 17

The percentage of maritime HR departments actively implementing AI in recruitment processes increased from 8% in 2020 to 25% in 2023, reflecting growing automation adoption

Statistic 18

Women represent approximately 2.5% of the global maritime workforce

Statistic 19

Female representation is higher in administrative roles, accounting for 18% of HR and administrative staff

Statistic 20

Female maritime trainees make up approximately 12% of new entrants into the industry, showing gradual gender diversification

Statistic 21

Only about 15% of maritime HR departments currently have dedicated diversity and inclusion programs, highlighting room for growth

Statistic 22

The gender pay gap in maritime HR roles is estimated at 13%, with ongoing efforts to improve pay equity

Statistic 23

The percentage of maritime companies offering diversity and inclusion training programs increased by 20% in the last three years, emphasizing inclusion efforts

Statistic 24

The retention rate for seafarers is approximately 60%, with higher turnover among junior crew members

Statistic 25

The annual turnover rate for maritime HR departments is estimated at 12%, primarily due to industry volatility and retention issues

Statistic 26

Seafarer mental health concerns have increased by 20% over the past decade, prompting more HR programs focused on wellness

Statistic 27

Around 55% of maritime HR professionals believe that integrating sustainability into HR policies will be critical in the coming decade

Statistic 28

Approximately 60% of maritime HR professionals say that crew wellness initiatives have improved retention

Statistic 29

Remote onboarding procedures for maritime crew have reduced onboarding time by 25%, according to industry surveys

Statistic 30

Marine industry HR departments have an average turnover rate of 10% annually for administrative staff, which is lower than for onboard crew

Statistic 31

Maritime companies that engage in regular employee surveys report a 15% higher satisfaction rate among crew members, indicating the importance of feedback

Statistic 32

About 22% of maritime HR professionals work overtime regularly to meet staffing and training deadlines, indicating workload pressures

Statistic 33

Overall industry satisfaction related to HR support services is around 75%, indicating satisfaction with HR responsiveness and support

Statistic 34

Maritime industry estimates that around 12% of crew members leave their positions annually due to burnout and dissatisfaction, highlighting retention challenges

Statistic 35

Around 2 million new seafarers are required globally by 2030 to meet industry demands

Statistic 36

The average age of mariners is 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 37

The marine industry invests about 5% of its revenue in HR and training annually

Statistic 38

The average annual salary for a marine engineer is $70,000, with variation depending on experience

Statistic 39

The industry faces a shortage of approximately 20,000 qualified deck officers globally

Statistic 40

Over 40% of maritime HR leaders prioritize digital literacy training for crew members

Statistic 41

Marine safety training accounts for about 12% of overall HR training budgets in maritime companies

Statistic 42

Approximately 60% of maritime companies offer some form of leadership or career development program for crew

Statistic 43

The average time taken to fill a maritime HR position is around 45 days, with some roles taking longer due to specialization

Statistic 44

About 50% of maritime HR professionals report a lack of sufficient training to handle emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and automation

Statistic 45

The number of maritime trainees enrolled in accredited training programs has increased by 10% annually over the last five years

Statistic 46

Maritime industry spends approximately $1.2 billion annually on crew training and certification

Statistic 47

The average age of ship captains is 52 years old, indicating a need for succession planning

Statistic 48

Maritime HR managers report that the most common skill gaps are in digital skills, leadership, and crisis management

Statistic 49

The global maritime training market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2028, driven by increased safety and regulatory requirements

Statistic 50

About 10% of maritime licenses and certifications require renewal every two years, necessitating ongoing training investments

Statistic 51

The number of maritime safety drills conducted annually exceeds 250,000 worldwide, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in training programs

Statistic 52

Recruitment of multilingual crew members has increased by 18% over the last four years, reflecting globalization trends

Statistic 53

Industry surveys indicate that 65% of maritime HR professionals see automation as a means to improve operational efficiency

Statistic 54

The global maritime training sector is experiencing a 9% annual growth rate, driven by increasing regulatory standards

Statistic 55

Maritime sector’s HR related cybersecurity concerns increased by 40% in recent years, prompting new HR security protocols

Statistic 56

The percentage of maritime HR staff with formal HR certifications is approximately 35%, highlighting the need for professional development

Statistic 57

Around 50% of maritime companies invest in leadership training programs for their HR personnel, indicating recognition of HR as strategic partners

Statistic 58

Nearly 40% of maritime HR professionals report shortages of skilled trainers and instructors, affecting training quality

Statistic 59

The maritime industry’s HR sector has seen a 15% increase in the adoption of e-learning platforms for initial and ongoing crew training

Statistic 60

In 2022, over 60% of maritime companies reported difficulty in attracting younger crew members, impacting future workforce planning

Statistic 61

About 40% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to health and safety training programs, showing industry focus on safety culture

Statistic 62

Maritime industry’s HR response to climate change policies has increased by 35%, focusing on sustainability and green employment initiatives

Statistic 63

The global maritime industry’s HR data management market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2027, driven by digital transformation

Statistic 64

The industry’s average annual training hours per crew member is about 40 hours, balancing regulatory requirements and operational needs

Statistic 65

The adoption of virtual reality (VR) training modules in maritime HR training programs increased by 22% from 2020 to 2023, enhancing simulation-based learning

Statistic 66

The proportion of onboard crew with recognized maritime safety certifications is approximately 85%, demonstrating industry focus on safety compliance

Statistic 67

The percentage of maritime HR staff with advanced degrees or MBAs is approximately 25%, indicating a professionalization trend

Statistic 68

Maritime industry estimates that around 10% of crew members are trained in emergency response and firefighting, emphasizing safety preparedness

Statistic 69

About 15% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to crisis management planning and training, highlighting industry preparedness efforts

Statistic 70

The average number of hours dedicated to onboard safety briefings per voyage is approximately 3 hours, according to maritime safety protocols

Statistic 71

The share of maritime HR professionals with experience in labor law and compliance has increased to 40%, reflecting industry legal complexities

Statistic 72

The proportion of maritime HR departments using data analytics tools to forecast workforce needs increased by 32% over three years, aiding strategic planning

Statistic 73

Maritime organizations report that about 85% of onboard crew comply with mandatory training schedules, ensuring regulatory adherence

Statistic 74

The marine industry employs over 1.7 million people worldwide

Statistic 75

Approximately 80% of marine industry jobs are related to ship operation and maintenance

Statistic 76

The global maritime workforce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% through 2030

Statistic 77

Maritime companies report a 15% increase in HR recruitment challenges over the past five years

Statistic 78

About 70% of maritime HR professionals believe automation will impact crew demand in the next decade

Statistic 79

The median length of employment for a seafarer is approximately 9 to 12 months per contract

Statistic 80

The percentage of maritime labor involving contract-based or temporary employment is around 30%, reflecting industry flexibility needs

Statistic 81

Approximately 28% of maritime companies plan to increase their HR budgets in the next fiscal year to address industry challenges

Statistic 82

The number of maritime industry-specific job boards increased by 30% over the last four years, reflecting growing digital recruitment efforts

Statistic 83

About 25% of maritime HR professionals report increased workload due to regulatory compliance requirements, impacting staffing needs

Statistic 84

Approximately 30% of maritime HR professionals believe that AI will soon replace some traditional HR functions, such as screening and scheduling

Statistic 85

The global demand for maritime HR consultants is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% over the next five years, owing to increasing complexity in workforce management

Statistic 86

The employment rate of maritime apprentices has increased by 18% over the past three years, reflecting increased focus on youth training programs

Slide 1 of 86

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The marine industry employs over 1.7 million people worldwide
Approximately 80% of marine industry jobs are related to ship operation and maintenance
The global maritime workforce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% through 2030
Around 2 million new seafarers are required globally by 2030 to meet industry demands
Women represent approximately 2.5% of the global maritime workforce
The average age of mariners is 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce
The marine industry invests about 5% of its revenue in HR and training annually
Maritime companies report a 15% increase in HR recruitment challenges over the past five years
The retention rate for seafarers is approximately 60%, with higher turnover among junior crew members
About 70% of maritime HR professionals believe automation will impact crew demand in the next decade
The average annual salary for a marine engineer is $70,000, with variation depending on experience
The median length of employment for a seafarer is approximately 9 to 12 months per contract
The industry faces a shortage of approximately 20,000 qualified deck officers globally

With over 1.7 million people worldwide bearing the sails of the maritime industry, the evolving landscape of HR—from digital transformation and diversity efforts to safety and wellness initiatives—remains vital to navigating its future challenges and opportunities.

Company Adoption and Organizational Initiatives

The maritime industry has seen a 25% increase in HR digital recruitment platform usage over the last three years
The implementation of remote HR management in maritime companies increased by 30% after 2020, due to COVID-19
About 65% of maritime companies use AI-based tools for candidate screening and recruitment
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the maritime industry are led by over 45% of HR departments, focusing on community and environmental impact
Approximately 72% of maritime companies provide mental health support programs for their staff, reflecting growing concern for employee well-being
The implementation of standardized HR policies across the maritime industry increased by 22% over the last three years, according to industry reports
The success rate of maritime HR digital transformation initiatives is around 70%, with key challenges being change management and technology integration
The use of blockchain technology for credential verification in maritime HR processes is emerging, with 12% of companies currently experimenting with it
The proportion of maritime HR departments utilizing AI-powered chatbots for candidate inquiries has grown by 25% in the last two years, improving responsiveness
Maritime HR departments report a 20% increase in investment in mental health and wellness programs over the last four years, reflecting a shift towards employee well-being
Industry surveys suggest that 60% of maritime companies plan to invest more in sustainable HR practices in the next five years, emphasizing green initiatives
Approximately 28% of maritime companies offer formal mentorship programs for new seafarers, aimed at improving retention and skill development
The adoption rate of digital performance appraisal tools in maritime HR departments increased by 27% from 2020 to 2023, supporting performance management
The use of AI-driven predictive analytics for crew scheduling is employed by 20% of maritime companies, aiming to optimize workforce deployment
Approximately 18% of maritime HR professionals are involved in corporate sustainability and environmental initiatives, integrating them into HR policies
The percentage of maritime companies with remote HR assistance platforms grew by 30% between 2020 and 2023, supporting global workforce management
The percentage of maritime HR departments actively implementing AI in recruitment processes increased from 8% in 2020 to 25% in 2023, reflecting growing automation adoption

Company Adoption and Organizational Initiatives Interpretation

As the maritime industry shifts tides toward digital innovation, embracing AI, blockchain, and remote HR solutions with remarkable growth—yet challenges like change management remind us that even in the age of technology, people remain the true anchor of progress.

Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Women represent approximately 2.5% of the global maritime workforce
Female representation is higher in administrative roles, accounting for 18% of HR and administrative staff
Female maritime trainees make up approximately 12% of new entrants into the industry, showing gradual gender diversification
Only about 15% of maritime HR departments currently have dedicated diversity and inclusion programs, highlighting room for growth
The gender pay gap in maritime HR roles is estimated at 13%, with ongoing efforts to improve pay equity
The percentage of maritime companies offering diversity and inclusion training programs increased by 20% in the last three years, emphasizing inclusion efforts

Gender Diversity and Inclusion Interpretation

Despite incremental progress with women comprising just 2.5% of the global maritime workforce and limited dedicated D&I programs, the rising number of female trainees and increased D&I training signals that the industry is charting a course toward fairer shores—though there's still a long voyage ahead.

Industry Satisfaction and HR Practices

The retention rate for seafarers is approximately 60%, with higher turnover among junior crew members
The annual turnover rate for maritime HR departments is estimated at 12%, primarily due to industry volatility and retention issues
Seafarer mental health concerns have increased by 20% over the past decade, prompting more HR programs focused on wellness
Around 55% of maritime HR professionals believe that integrating sustainability into HR policies will be critical in the coming decade
Approximately 60% of maritime HR professionals say that crew wellness initiatives have improved retention
Remote onboarding procedures for maritime crew have reduced onboarding time by 25%, according to industry surveys
Marine industry HR departments have an average turnover rate of 10% annually for administrative staff, which is lower than for onboard crew
Maritime companies that engage in regular employee surveys report a 15% higher satisfaction rate among crew members, indicating the importance of feedback
About 22% of maritime HR professionals work overtime regularly to meet staffing and training deadlines, indicating workload pressures
Overall industry satisfaction related to HR support services is around 75%, indicating satisfaction with HR responsiveness and support
Maritime industry estimates that around 12% of crew members leave their positions annually due to burnout and dissatisfaction, highlighting retention challenges

Industry Satisfaction and HR Practices Interpretation

With seafarer retention languishing at around 60% amid rising mental health challenges and workload pressures, maritime HR professionals are increasingly betting on wellness, sustainability, and innovative onboarding—proving that navigating staff stability in rough seas requires more than just a steady hand, but a committed crew willing to sail with purpose.

Skills Development and Future Workforce Needs

Around 2 million new seafarers are required globally by 2030 to meet industry demands
The average age of mariners is 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce
The marine industry invests about 5% of its revenue in HR and training annually
The average annual salary for a marine engineer is $70,000, with variation depending on experience
The industry faces a shortage of approximately 20,000 qualified deck officers globally
Over 40% of maritime HR leaders prioritize digital literacy training for crew members
Marine safety training accounts for about 12% of overall HR training budgets in maritime companies
Approximately 60% of maritime companies offer some form of leadership or career development program for crew
The average time taken to fill a maritime HR position is around 45 days, with some roles taking longer due to specialization
About 50% of maritime HR professionals report a lack of sufficient training to handle emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and automation
The number of maritime trainees enrolled in accredited training programs has increased by 10% annually over the last five years
Maritime industry spends approximately $1.2 billion annually on crew training and certification
The average age of ship captains is 52 years old, indicating a need for succession planning
Maritime HR managers report that the most common skill gaps are in digital skills, leadership, and crisis management
The global maritime training market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2028, driven by increased safety and regulatory requirements
About 10% of maritime licenses and certifications require renewal every two years, necessitating ongoing training investments
The number of maritime safety drills conducted annually exceeds 250,000 worldwide, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in training programs
Recruitment of multilingual crew members has increased by 18% over the last four years, reflecting globalization trends
Industry surveys indicate that 65% of maritime HR professionals see automation as a means to improve operational efficiency
The global maritime training sector is experiencing a 9% annual growth rate, driven by increasing regulatory standards
Maritime sector’s HR related cybersecurity concerns increased by 40% in recent years, prompting new HR security protocols
The percentage of maritime HR staff with formal HR certifications is approximately 35%, highlighting the need for professional development
Around 50% of maritime companies invest in leadership training programs for their HR personnel, indicating recognition of HR as strategic partners
Nearly 40% of maritime HR professionals report shortages of skilled trainers and instructors, affecting training quality
The maritime industry’s HR sector has seen a 15% increase in the adoption of e-learning platforms for initial and ongoing crew training
In 2022, over 60% of maritime companies reported difficulty in attracting younger crew members, impacting future workforce planning
About 40% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to health and safety training programs, showing industry focus on safety culture
Maritime industry’s HR response to climate change policies has increased by 35%, focusing on sustainability and green employment initiatives
The global maritime industry’s HR data management market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2027, driven by digital transformation
The industry’s average annual training hours per crew member is about 40 hours, balancing regulatory requirements and operational needs
The adoption of virtual reality (VR) training modules in maritime HR training programs increased by 22% from 2020 to 2023, enhancing simulation-based learning
The proportion of onboard crew with recognized maritime safety certifications is approximately 85%, demonstrating industry focus on safety compliance
The percentage of maritime HR staff with advanced degrees or MBAs is approximately 25%, indicating a professionalization trend
Maritime industry estimates that around 10% of crew members are trained in emergency response and firefighting, emphasizing safety preparedness
About 15% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to crisis management planning and training, highlighting industry preparedness efforts
The average number of hours dedicated to onboard safety briefings per voyage is approximately 3 hours, according to maritime safety protocols
The share of maritime HR professionals with experience in labor law and compliance has increased to 40%, reflecting industry legal complexities
The proportion of maritime HR departments using data analytics tools to forecast workforce needs increased by 32% over three years, aiding strategic planning
Maritime organizations report that about 85% of onboard crew comply with mandatory training schedules, ensuring regulatory adherence

Skills Development and Future Workforce Needs Interpretation

With an aging maritime workforce demanding an urgent staffing surge and a digital literacy upgrade, the industry is navigating a choppy sea of skill gaps, training challenges, and modernization efforts—highlighting that even in a high-stakes environment, crew development is the ultimate compass for safe and efficient voyage into the future.

Workforce Size and Employment Trends

The marine industry employs over 1.7 million people worldwide
Approximately 80% of marine industry jobs are related to ship operation and maintenance
The global maritime workforce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% through 2030
Maritime companies report a 15% increase in HR recruitment challenges over the past five years
About 70% of maritime HR professionals believe automation will impact crew demand in the next decade
The median length of employment for a seafarer is approximately 9 to 12 months per contract
The percentage of maritime labor involving contract-based or temporary employment is around 30%, reflecting industry flexibility needs
Approximately 28% of maritime companies plan to increase their HR budgets in the next fiscal year to address industry challenges
The number of maritime industry-specific job boards increased by 30% over the last four years, reflecting growing digital recruitment efforts
About 25% of maritime HR professionals report increased workload due to regulatory compliance requirements, impacting staffing needs
Approximately 30% of maritime HR professionals believe that AI will soon replace some traditional HR functions, such as screening and scheduling
The global demand for maritime HR consultants is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% over the next five years, owing to increasing complexity in workforce management
The employment rate of maritime apprentices has increased by 18% over the past three years, reflecting increased focus on youth training programs

Workforce Size and Employment Trends Interpretation

As the maritime workforce sails toward a 3% annual growth, navigating increased recruitment challenges, automation concerns, and a shifting temp labor landscape, industry leaders must chart a course that balances technological advancements with the human element, lest they find themselves adrift in a sea of change.