The global shipping industry is under immense pressure with a growing shortage of skilled seafarers threatening the sector’s ability to keep up while carrying over 80% of trade moving by sea.
Addressing this challenge requires real, scalable solutions, and that’s exactly what the NextWave Seafarers Project aims to deliver.
Led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), this groundbreaking initiative isn’t just about filling vacancies, it is about building the future maritime workforce by giving aspiring seafarers from developing nations genuine career opportunities.
A bold step for the industry
On February 13, 2025, the NextWave Seafarers Project was officially launched with the signing of a Letter of Agreement between Mr. Kamal M. Al Junaidi, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, and Mr. Jose Matheickal, Director of IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division.
The signing, witnessed by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, took place in the presence of senior representatives from KSA’s Transport General Authority (TGA) and Bahri Shipping Line, one of Saudi Arabia’s top maritime companies.
The initiative is clear, targeted, and built for impact. From 2025 to 2026, it will provide 20 cadets from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a full year of onboard training through Bahri Shipping Line.
But this isn’t just a short-term fix—the plan is to develop a sustainable training model that can be scaled up globally, bringing in more shipping companies and countries over time.
What’s the goal? Real solutions for real challenges
The NextWave Seafarers Project is structured to tackle the root causes of the seafarer shortage, not just the symptoms.
- Build a structured training framework that helps develop, upskill, and retain future seafarers.
- Break down barriers preventing cadets from LDCs and SIDS from entering the industry, whether it’s a lack of training placements or financial constraints.
- Push for gender diversity by actively encouraging women cadets to apply and build a more inclusive workforce.
- Prove that this model works, so it can be scaled and replicated worldwide by other IMO Member States and shipping companies.
Why this matters now
Right now, the maritime industry is in urgent need of skilled professionals. There are 1.9 million seafarers keeping global trade moving, but the sector is facing a major officer shortage as demand for shipping continues to rise.
This isn’t just an employment issue—it’s a global supply chain risk. Without enough trained seafarers, shipping schedules get disrupted, costs rise, and trade slows down.
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez stressed the importance of strengthening the maritime workforce: “The future of the global shipping industry depends on its people, and this initiative has the potential to transform maritime careers for young seafarers worldwide.”
Mr. Kamal M. Al Junaidi, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the IMO, highlighted the Project’s broader vision: “Through this initiative, we aim not only to train the next generation of seafarers but also to lead and inspire other nations and shipping companies to adopt similar programmes.”
This is not just about filling jobs—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient workforce that will keep the industry moving for decades to come.
What’s next? A call for global participation
The NextWave Seafarers Project is open for collaboration.
- IMO Member States
- Maritime training institutions
- Shipping companies
This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger—a long-term solution to the seafarer crisis that ensures the industry doesn’t just survive but thrives.
As a proof-of-concept, the project’s outcomes will be shared with IMO Member States to help shape future policy recommendations, refine global training standards, and ensure long-term workforce sustainability.
IMO will soon issue a circular letter inviting nominations for cadets from LDCs and SIDS. This letter will include:
- Eligibility criteria
- Selection process
- Training program details
A blueprint for the future
The NextWave Seafarers Project isn’t just another initiative, it’s a game-changer for how the industry approaches seafarer training and workforce development.
For shipping companies, training institutions, and maritime administrations, this is the moment to step up and be part of a real solution. The industry needs skilled seafarers, and this project is a blueprint for ensuring a sustainable and diverse maritime workforce.
Stay tuned for updates on cadet nominations and how to get involved!
