A notable lowlight from this year’s Crewing Survey is that while seafarer demand remains steady, wage increases have been very modest. Most respondents reported only small adjustments to their salaries in 2025, far lower than the sharp rises seen in previous post-pandemic years.

Many seafarers said that although wages increased slightly, the rises are not keeping up with the higher cost of living. This gap is creating pressure, particularly among senior ranks and those supporting families at home.

The findings suggest a wage environment that has stabilised, with employers opting for incremental increases rather than significant jumps. However, expectations around compensation, rotation length, and career progression continue to rise—making retention a challenge for many operators.

With seafarers feeling the squeeze, wage levels are likely to remain a key conversation point next year. The industry may also need to explore broader incentives, such as investing in wellbeing initiatives, not just wages, to stay competitive.