The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have launched the NextWave Seafarers Project, an initiative aimed at addressing the global seafarer shortage while creating career opportunities for aspiring seafarers from developing nations.
Project Overview
The initiative was formally launched with a Letter of Agreement signed by:
- Mr Kamal M. Al Junaidi, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to IMO
- Mr. Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID), IMO
The signing was witnessed by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, along with senior representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) and Bahri Shipping Line.
Key Features of the NextWave Seafarers Project
The project, which will run from 2025 to 2026, will provide 20 cadets from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with one year of onboard training through Bahri Shipping Line, a leading maritime company in Saudi Arabia.
Project Objectives
- Develop a structured cadet-training framework to train and retain future seafarers.
- Provide financial support and access to training placements for cadets from LDCs and SIDS.
- Encourage gender diversity by actively promoting the participation of women cadets.
- Establish the project as a scalable model that can be expanded and replicated in other countries.
Addressing the Global Seafarer Shortage
The maritime industry relies on 1.9 million seafarers to transport over 80 per cent of global trade. However, the sector faces a significant workforce shortage, particularly in officer positions.
Through the NextWave Seafarers initiative, the IMO and Saudi Arabia aim to:
- Create a sustainable talent pipeline for the maritime industry.
- Encourage more countries and shipping companies to invest in seafarer training and recruitment.
- Strengthen the global shipping workforce by providing high-quality training opportunities.
Call for Global Participation
The IMO and Saudi Arabia encourage IMO Member States, training institutions, and shipping companies to participate in and expand the project.
To facilitate global participation, the IMO will issue a circular letter to IMO Member States, requesting nominations of cadets from LDCs and SIDS through their respective maritime administrations. This letter will outline the selection criteria and participation requirements for the training programme.
Statements from Key Leaders
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of investing in seafarer training:
“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.”
Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to IMO, Mr. Kamal M. Al Junaidi, highlighted the broader impact of the project:
“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.”
The NextWave Seafarers Project is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the global maritime workforce. By addressing the shortage of skilled seafarers, particularly from developing nations, the project aims to create long-term solutions for the shipping industry.
The IMO calls on nations, training institutions, and maritime companies to support and expand this initiative, ensuring a diverse, skilled, and sustainable seafaring workforce for the future.
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Source: IMO
