The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) for the third quarter of 2025 recorded a drop to /10 from 7.54 the previous quarter, marking the largest decline of the year and a loud “alarm signal” for crew welfare.
According to the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) report, operational pressures, workload, and lack of adequate manning have led to increased fatigue and decreased overall satisfaction among seafarers.
“Our crews are sending a clear message: fatigue, bureaucracy, and staff shortages are seriously undermining their welfare,” stated Ben Bailey, Director of Programmes at MtS, emphasizing that seafarers need support.
Fatigue remains a critical issue, with traditional watches disrupting the circadian rhythm (reference to the 24-hour cycle that regulates bodily functions, from sleep to wakefulness) and increased work limiting rest time.
Simultaneously, crew shortages are intensifying, with existing members taking on more duties.
Access to shore leave, considered vital for the mental health of seafarers, recorded the largest drop, to 6.56 from 6.96.
Short port stays, restrictions, and high transportation costs make the possibility of going ashore the exception and not the rule.
“Being able to step on land has become a luxury,” a seafarer characteristically states in the survey.
Satisfaction with wages plummeted to 6.81 from 7.52, with many expressing frustration over wage stagnation, despite increasing responsibilities and the high cost of living.
A similar downward trend was recorded in food quality (7.29 from 7.81) and the ability to exercise (7.09 from 7.82), while professional development saw the largest decrease, to 6.99 from 7.75, a fact showing that training focuses more on compliance rather than skill development.
The only category with a slight improvement is digital connectivity, which rose to 7.81 from 7.75, as improved communication systems provide essential psychological support through contact with families.
“It proves that investments in people have a real impact,” noted Thom Herbert of Idwal.
However, the report highlights worrying trends: Younger seafarers (16-25 years old) show the lowest levels of satisfaction, foreshadowing a staff retention crisis.
Engineers report high levels of pressure, while the experience differs significantly by ship type, age, and region.
As Yves Vandenborn of NorthStandard stressed, “these challenges are systemic and difficult for individual shipowners to address. They require coordinated action.”
Thus, the third quarter of 2025 leaves a clear message: behind the numbers of freight rates and orders, the human dimension of shipping is under pressure – and seafarer welfare must return to the center of the sustainable shipping discussion.
