Growing numbers of seafarers leaving for shore-based jobs are threatening maritime safety and the transition to new fuels, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

At a COP30 webinar titled The Global Seafarer Emergency, experts warned that unhappiness among crews could undermine safe operations of the world fleet, which carries more than 80 per cent of global trade by volume. Complaints include bullying, discrimination, fatigue, lack of connectivity and extended tours of duty.

Lloyd's Register chief marketing officer Philippa Charlton said shipping is central to international trade and decarbonisation. She stressed the urgent need for new generations of skilled seafarers and rapid retraining in handling fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.

Lloyd's Register Foundation chief executive Ruth Boumphrey revealed that 1.9 million seafarers were employed across 112,500 vessels in January 2025. Half come from Asia-Pacific, 33 per cent from Europe, four per cent from Africa and only 1.3 per cent are female. She said 64 per cent had no training in decarbonisation over the past two years.

Ms Boumphrey added that 450,000 seafarers will require special training by 2030, rising to 800,000 by mid-decade. She warned that without this, the fuel transition could stall.

Almi Tankers founder Capt Stylianos Dimouleas said employers must embed welfare and wellbeing in management systems. He declared digital connectivity a right and said senior staff are trained in leadership to cascade skills. He noted that 95 per cent of his company's seafarers feel secure, benefiting them and their families.