Officer salaries rise 8% amid global crew shortage

According to the latest BIMCO and INTERCARGO report, the global shortage of qualified maritime officers has reached a critical level, driving average salaries up 8% compared to 2025.

Demand is highest for captains and chief engineers on LNG vessels, where salaries exceed $15,000 per month. Deck officers on tankers are also seeing income growth of 10–12%.

Analysts predict the situation will not improve for at least three years, as the number of new vessels on order far exceeds the number of seafarers graduating from maritime academies. Crewing companies are advised to secure long-term contracts with qualified personnel in advance.