GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Maritime Industry Statistics

Maritime industry faces HR talent shortages, digitalization, diversity, safety, and retention challenges.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average salary for a maritime HR manager is USD 70,000 per year

Statistic 2

The cost of crew replacement can range from USD 30,000 to USD 150,000 per seafarer

Statistic 3

Around 12% of maritime HR expenditures are dedicated to mental health and well-being initiatives

Statistic 4

The maritime industry's employment growth rate is projected at 2.5% annually from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 5

The percentage of maritime companies adopting automated HR systems increased from 15% in 2018 to 45% in 2023

Statistic 6

The employment rate of maritime engineers is expected to grow by 4% over the next five years

Statistic 7

Over 60% of maritime HR departments have integrated sustainability and environmental criteria into recruitment processes

Statistic 8

45% of maritime HR departments plan to invest in AI-driven recruiting tools in the next two years

Statistic 9

50% of maritime HR managers believe that integrating onboarding with digital platforms improves retention

Statistic 10

The turnover rate for maritime crew members is approximately 18%

Statistic 11

55% of maritime companies have implemented mental health support programs for crew

Statistic 12

The average tenure of a seafarer onboard is approximately 9 months

Statistic 13

68% of maritime HR professionals report challenges in implementing new digital HR solutions

Statistic 14

Approximately 50% of maritime HR departments track employee satisfaction and engagement levels regularly

Statistic 15

The number of legal disputes involving maritime HR issues increased by 20% from 2020 to 2022

Statistic 16

45% of maritime HR managers report implementing remote work policies for shore-based staff

Statistic 17

72% of maritime HR professionals believe collaboration across departments is essential for effective talent management

Statistic 18

55% of maritime companies experience delays in crew recruitment due to visa and immigration issues

Statistic 19

Approximately 20% of the maritime workforce has experienced burnout symptoms, according to recent surveys

Statistic 20

The majority of maritime HR managers (65%) believe that automation will significantly reshape workforce management in the next decade

Statistic 21

Maritime industry turnover varies significantly by region, with Southeast Asia experiencing a 14% annual turnover rate

Statistic 22

The average number of job applications per shipping company is approximately 250

Statistic 23

35% of maritime HR departments have experienced data security issues related to digital HR systems

Statistic 24

65% of maritime HR managers identify training and development as top priorities

Statistic 25

70% of maritime HR managers believe that safety training is the most critical aspect of HR development

Statistic 26

The maritime industry's average seafarer training period is around 6-12 months

Statistic 27

90% of maritime companies believe that employee training is key to compliance with international safety standards

Statistic 28

About 60% of maritime companies provide language training to facilitate international communication

Statistic 29

The average training cost per seafarer is around USD 10,000, which includes certifications and practical training

Statistic 30

80% of maritime companies report difficulties in implementing effective onboard training programs

Statistic 31

The adoption of AR/VR in maritime training programs increased by 35% between 2021 and 2023

Statistic 32

Maritime companies report that 15% of their budgets are allocated to leadership development programs

Statistic 33

Around 28% of maritime HR staff have received specialized training in intercultural competency

Statistic 34

Approximately 80% of maritime companies face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled HR personnel

Statistic 35

The maritime industry's global workforce is estimated at over 1.6 million seafarers

Statistic 36

Women represent around 2% of the global maritime workforce

Statistic 37

The average age of seafarers is approximately 39 years old

Statistic 38

Around 30% of maritime companies report difficulty in recruiting junior officers

Statistic 39

Approximately 22% of maritime HR professionals have reported increased use of digital tools for recruitment

Statistic 40

Approximately 40% of seafarers are from developing countries

Statistic 41

82% of maritime HR departments plan to increase investment in employee engagement initiatives

Statistic 42

60% of maritime HR professionals report difficulties in managing diverse cultural backgrounds among crew members

Statistic 43

75% of maritime HR departments are concerned about the impact of aging workforce on industry sustainability

Statistic 44

About 15% of senior maritime HR roles are held by women

Statistic 45

85% of maritime companies plan to prioritize talent acquisition strategies in upcoming years

Statistic 46

The global maritime industry is projected to face a shortage of 150,000 seafarers by 2030

Statistic 47

Around 25% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to diversity and inclusion initiatives

Statistic 48

The average age of maritime crew members is rising, with 40% over 45 years old

Statistic 49

The retention rate for maritime safety personnel is approximately 78%, higher than many other industries

Statistic 50

70% of maritime HR departments utilize social media platforms to attract talent

Statistic 51

About 85% of maritime HR professionals see diversity initiatives as essential for industry growth

Statistic 52

The number of qualified maritime recruiters has increased by 25% over the last three years

Statistic 53

65% of maritime HR specialists believe that flexible work arrangements are critical for attracting younger talent

Statistic 54

The industry’s gender pay gap among maritime professionals is estimated at 20%, with women earning less on average

Statistic 55

67% of maritime HR professionals report that onboarding processes are a significant challenge, especially for remote recruits

Statistic 56

Seafarers' satisfaction levels with onboard accommodations are reported at 78%, yet 22% express dissatisfaction

Statistic 57

82% of maritime HR leaders see employee well-being and mental health as a top strategic priority

Statistic 58

Female representation in maritime executive roles is at 3%, indicating slow progress in gender diversity at the top level

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Key Highlights

Approximately 80% of maritime companies face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled HR personnel
The maritime industry's global workforce is estimated at over 1.6 million seafarers
Women represent around 2% of the global maritime workforce
The average age of seafarers is approximately 39 years old
65% of maritime HR managers identify training and development as top priorities
Around 30% of maritime companies report difficulty in recruiting junior officers
The turnover rate for maritime crew members is approximately 18%
The maritime industry's employment growth rate is projected at 2.5% annually from 2023 to 2028
Approximately 22% of maritime HR professionals have reported increased use of digital tools for recruitment
70% of maritime HR managers believe that safety training is the most critical aspect of HR development
The average salary for a maritime HR manager is USD 70,000 per year
55% of maritime companies have implemented mental health support programs for crew
Approximately 40% of seafarers are from developing countries

Navigating stormy seas in talent acquisition and retention, the maritime industry faces significant HR challenges as it strives to balance safety, diversity, and digital transformation amidst an aging workforce and a looming seafarer shortage.

Financial Aspects and Budgeting

The average salary for a maritime HR manager is USD 70,000 per year
The cost of crew replacement can range from USD 30,000 to USD 150,000 per seafarer
Around 12% of maritime HR expenditures are dedicated to mental health and well-being initiatives

Financial Aspects and Budgeting Interpretation

With maritime HR managers earning an average of $70,000 annually, the staggering crew replacement costs—up to $150,000 per seafarer—and the dedicated 12% of HR budgets to mental health initiatives underscore that investing in crew well-being isn't just compassionate but potentially a shipshape strategy for the industry’s bottom line.

Industry Trends and Technological Adoption

The maritime industry's employment growth rate is projected at 2.5% annually from 2023 to 2028
The percentage of maritime companies adopting automated HR systems increased from 15% in 2018 to 45% in 2023
The employment rate of maritime engineers is expected to grow by 4% over the next five years
Over 60% of maritime HR departments have integrated sustainability and environmental criteria into recruitment processes
45% of maritime HR departments plan to invest in AI-driven recruiting tools in the next two years
50% of maritime HR managers believe that integrating onboarding with digital platforms improves retention

Industry Trends and Technological Adoption Interpretation

While maritime employment is steadily sailing ahead at 2.5% annually, the industry is clearly navigating a digital transformation, with nearly half adopting automation and AI-driven tools—suggesting that even in the age of sea monsters, HR is steering towards smarter, more sustainable waters to recruit and retain top talent.

Operational Challenges and Workforce Management

The turnover rate for maritime crew members is approximately 18%
55% of maritime companies have implemented mental health support programs for crew
The average tenure of a seafarer onboard is approximately 9 months
68% of maritime HR professionals report challenges in implementing new digital HR solutions
Approximately 50% of maritime HR departments track employee satisfaction and engagement levels regularly
The number of legal disputes involving maritime HR issues increased by 20% from 2020 to 2022
45% of maritime HR managers report implementing remote work policies for shore-based staff
72% of maritime HR professionals believe collaboration across departments is essential for effective talent management
55% of maritime companies experience delays in crew recruitment due to visa and immigration issues
Approximately 20% of the maritime workforce has experienced burnout symptoms, according to recent surveys
The majority of maritime HR managers (65%) believe that automation will significantly reshape workforce management in the next decade
Maritime industry turnover varies significantly by region, with Southeast Asia experiencing a 14% annual turnover rate
The average number of job applications per shipping company is approximately 250
35% of maritime HR departments have experienced data security issues related to digital HR systems

Operational Challenges and Workforce Management Interpretation

Navigating the high seas of maritime HR reveals a turbulent mix: an 18% crew turnover, mounting legal disputes, and digital transformation hurdles—yet, with over half establishing mental health programs and embracing automation, the industry is clearly charting a course toward resilience and innovation amid stormy waters.

Training and Professional Development

65% of maritime HR managers identify training and development as top priorities
70% of maritime HR managers believe that safety training is the most critical aspect of HR development
The maritime industry's average seafarer training period is around 6-12 months
90% of maritime companies believe that employee training is key to compliance with international safety standards
About 60% of maritime companies provide language training to facilitate international communication
The average training cost per seafarer is around USD 10,000, which includes certifications and practical training
80% of maritime companies report difficulties in implementing effective onboard training programs
The adoption of AR/VR in maritime training programs increased by 35% between 2021 and 2023
Maritime companies report that 15% of their budgets are allocated to leadership development programs
Around 28% of maritime HR staff have received specialized training in intercultural competency

Training and Professional Development Interpretation

As the maritime industry navigates the high seas of safety, compliance, and communication, it becomes clear that investing approximately $10,000 per seafarer in rigorous training—augmented increasingly by AR/VR—serves as both a compass and anchor to steer maritime HR towards safer, more effective horizons.

Workforce Demographics and Diversity

Approximately 80% of maritime companies face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled HR personnel
The maritime industry's global workforce is estimated at over 1.6 million seafarers
Women represent around 2% of the global maritime workforce
The average age of seafarers is approximately 39 years old
Around 30% of maritime companies report difficulty in recruiting junior officers
Approximately 22% of maritime HR professionals have reported increased use of digital tools for recruitment
Approximately 40% of seafarers are from developing countries
82% of maritime HR departments plan to increase investment in employee engagement initiatives
60% of maritime HR professionals report difficulties in managing diverse cultural backgrounds among crew members
75% of maritime HR departments are concerned about the impact of aging workforce on industry sustainability
About 15% of senior maritime HR roles are held by women
85% of maritime companies plan to prioritize talent acquisition strategies in upcoming years
The global maritime industry is projected to face a shortage of 150,000 seafarers by 2030
Around 25% of maritime HR budgets are allocated to diversity and inclusion initiatives
The average age of maritime crew members is rising, with 40% over 45 years old
The retention rate for maritime safety personnel is approximately 78%, higher than many other industries
70% of maritime HR departments utilize social media platforms to attract talent
About 85% of maritime HR professionals see diversity initiatives as essential for industry growth
The number of qualified maritime recruiters has increased by 25% over the last three years
65% of maritime HR specialists believe that flexible work arrangements are critical for attracting younger talent
The industry’s gender pay gap among maritime professionals is estimated at 20%, with women earning less on average
67% of maritime HR professionals report that onboarding processes are a significant challenge, especially for remote recruits
Seafarers' satisfaction levels with onboard accommodations are reported at 78%, yet 22% express dissatisfaction
82% of maritime HR leaders see employee well-being and mental health as a top strategic priority
Female representation in maritime executive roles is at 3%, indicating slow progress in gender diversity at the top level

Workforce Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

With over 80% of maritime companies struggling to attract and retain skilled HR personnel amid a global workforce pushing the industry toward a looming shortfall of 150,000 seafarers by 2030, it’s clear that navigating gender gaps, cultural diversity, and workforce aging remains the industry’s most treacherous waters.