Seafarers worldwide are poised to receive a significant pay increase following a landmark agreement reached at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. The new minimum wage for able seafarers will rise to $690 per month starting January 1, 2026, with further increases planned for the following years.
Minimum wage for seafarers will increase to $690 in 2026, $704 in 2027, and $715 in 2028.
The agreement represents a 6.2% increase over three years from the current wage of $673.
The decision was made during a meeting of the ILO’s Joint Maritime Commission (JMC).
This is the only global industry with a formally recognized minimum wage system.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement was finalized during negotiations held on April 14-15, 2025, and is set to be approved by the ILO’s Governing Body in November 2025. The structured wage increases are as follows:
Year | Minimum Wage (USD) |
|---|---|
2026 | $690 |
2027 | $704 |
2028 | $715 |
This increase is crucial as it reflects the rising cost of living and acknowledges the vital role seafarers play in global trade, delivering approximately 90% of goods worldwide.
Importance of the Wage Increase
Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International, emphasized the significance of this wage increase, stating that it is essential for seafarers who often work under challenging conditions. He noted that the agreement is a testament to the commitment of both shipowners and seafarers to ensure fair treatment in the industry.
Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO Sectoral Policies Department, remarked that this agreement is more than just a technical adjustment; it signifies a shared responsibility to uphold decent work standards at sea.
Context and Future Considerations
The negotiations took place amid growing concerns about global trade tensions and the potential for a full-scale trade war, which could impact the livelihoods of nearly two million seafarers. Both parties involved in the negotiations expressed the need for fair treatment of seafarers, who are often caught in the crosshairs of economic conflicts.
The ILO’s Joint Maritime Commission, which includes representatives from both shipowners and seafarers’ unions, will reconvene in the first half of 2028 to review the minimum wage again. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for maintaining a balance between recognizing the contributions of seafarers and ensuring the commercial sustainability of the shipping industry.
Conclusion
The new minimum wage agreement marks a significant step forward for seafarers, ensuring that their contributions to global trade are recognized and compensated fairly. As the maritime industry continues to navigate economic uncertainties, this agreement provides a much-needed safety net for those who keep the world’s trade flowing.
Sources
Seafarer minimum wage to increase by more than 6% :: Lloyd’s List, Lloyd’s List.
Global seafarers achieve ‘landmark’ minimum wage increase, TradeWinds.
Global Minimum Wage For Seafarers Increased In New 3-Year Agreement, Marine Insight.
Seafarers to get 6.2% pay rise over the coming three years, Splash247.
Under New Agreement, Global Seafarer Minimum Wage Set to Rise to $690 Per Month by 2026, gCaptain.
