The Rising Tide of Abandoned Oil Tankers: A Humanitarian Crisis at Sea

Mon Feb 09 2026 22:35:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The surge in abandoned oil tankers poses serious concerns for merchant sailors, as geopolitical instability and economic downturns leave crews stranded and unpaid.

As the number of abandoned oil tankers skyrockets, merchant sailors are left in dire conditions, battling shortages and neglect. A report highlights a staggering increase in abandonment cases, driven by geopolitical factors, exploitation of 'shadow fleets,' and economic instability following the pandemic. The plight of sailors, struggling in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, brings attention to a growing humanitarian crisis in the maritime trade sector.

The Rising Tide of Abandoned Oil Tankers: A Humanitarian Crisis at Sea

Over the past year, there has been a disturbing surge in the number of oil tankers and commercial ships being abandoned by their owners across the globe. This trend not only has financial implications but poses severe risks for the merchant sailors left behind. According to reports, the abandoned vessels, often in poor condition and unregistered, leave crews in perilous situations, struggling with shortages of basic necessities.

One ship, abandoned outside China, carries nearly 750,000 barrels of Russian crude oil worth around $50 million. Ivan, a senior deck officer aboard the vessel, describes the dire conditions facing the crew. We had a shortage of meat, grain, fish, simple things for survival, he reveals. The crew was hungry and angry, surviving only day by day.

These abandoned ships, referred to as part of a 'shadow fleet,' often sail under flags of convenience, making them difficult to regulate. In 2025 alone, 410 cases of maritime abandonment were reported, where 6,223 sailors were affected, reflecting a significant rise compared to previous years.

Geopolitical instability is a major factor in this increase. The ongoing conflicts and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have strained supply chains, prompting many shipping companies to cut costs at the expense of their crews. Notably, many of these ships are operated by unscrupulous owners trying to evade Western sanctions by transporting oil for countries like Russia and Venezuela.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and other organizations have been fighting to improve the situation, intervening to ensure wages and essential supplies reach abandoned crews. However, struggles remain as many sailors are left to fend for themselves, waiting for resolution.

As the world reflects on the abandoned vessels littering our seas, it becomes crucial that greater international cooperation is established to safeguard the rights and dignity of seafarers caught in this crisis. Moving forward, awareness and action will be key to addressing the humanitarian issues arising from these abandoned oil tankers.