Norbulk Shipping has warned that shipmanagers will be fighting for officers as a shortage hits the industry.
The UK manager was commenting on the Bimco/ICS Manpower report that predicts a shortfall of 147,500 officers over the next 10 years.
But it added that this could provide a boost to quality shipowners.
These companies are more likely to attract officers due to high standards of crew welfare.
Norbulk director Peter Karlsen said: “Although the figures published in the report are very worrying, we could see something positive coming out of it.
“Experienced officers will have a greater choice of employers, which may give an advantage to quality ship managers and owners.
“Those who have built up a good reputation and offer a high standard of crew welfare will have a better chance of recruiting the experienced officers.”
Another manager, Thome, also described the situation as worrying.
It called on managers to redouble their efforts in promoting shipping as an attractive career option for young people.
“Shipping’s biggest asset is its seafarers and the industry needs to take seriously the findings of this report,” said president Claes Eek Thorstensen.
“Interestingly, the report suggests that China has overtaken the Philippines as the largest single source of seafarers.
“As long as the Philippines can produce competent officers who can compete with other nationalities then it will continue to remain an important recruitment hub.”
