Greece, China, and Japan collectively control over 40% of the global shipping capacity. Credit: Public domain
For yet another year, Greece remains the world’s largest shipping power, according to data published by the Commodity Trading Club, based on findings from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report for 2025.
Greece, China, and Japan collectively control over 40 percent of the global shipping capacity, thereby dictating the flow of energy, raw materials, and trade worldwide.
Global fleet ownership rankings (2025)
The table below shows the top 10 shipping nations based on fleet ownership and deadweight tonnage (DWT)—the actual carrying capacity—which is the key metric for global dominance.
In November 2024 the International Chamber of shipping said it expected a shortfall of 90,000 trained seafarers by 2026. The reasons cited for the shortage are myriad, ranging from the global pandemic, poor pay and harsh conditions. This article focuses on just three.
Since the retreat of COVID many of the more responsible shipowners, operators and managers have embarked on improving crew welfare, increasing training and diversifying the workforce. But impediments to seafarer recruitment and these will have to be confronted to avoid the predicted shortfall or worse. Among them is a decline in shore leave opportunities, information overload, and a disturbing number of sexual misconduct allegations.
Shore leave
Historically, many young men went to sea to see the
Key Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally-Friendly Polar Navigation
Preparing Ships for Navigation in Polar Waters
The harsh conditions of polar regions demand specialized preparation for vessels operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters. To ensure safety and environmental protection, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, commonly known as the Polar Code. This code, implemented under both the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine Pollution) conventions, took effect on January 1, 2017, and sets the standard for polar ship operations.
Key Guidelines of the Polar Code
The Polar Code is designed to address risks unique to polar waters that are not fully covered by other international regulations. It applies to all ships operating in polar waters,
A new sailing Ro-Ro cargo ship recently handed over to French transport company Neoline has completed her inaugural trans-Atlantic voyage.
Neoliner Origin arrived at Saint Pierre and Miquelon on Canada's Atlantic coast on the evening (local time) of Friday, October 24. The ship had earlier left Saint-Nazaire eight days prior with embarked cargo.
Neoline said the ship sustained damage to her aft main sail mast during the crossing, though the fore sail remained operational up to her arrival in Canada.
The ship has since offloaded her cargo while technicians went on board to assist with repairs. Her next stop is in Baltimore with her ETA tentatively set for Thursday, October 30.
El salario anual de un capitán civil de un buque mercante puede situarse en rango aproximado entre 110.000 $ y 180.000$, dependiendo del tipo de buque, experiencia y compañía.
DATOS OBTENIDOS CON IA
The annual wage for a master on a merchant vessel can range from approximately $110,000 to over $180,000, depending on the type of vessel, experience, and company. On a monthly basis, salaries can be around $9,000 to $11,000 for a master on a bulk or container carrier, while higher salaries of $14,000 to $16,000 per month are possible on gas carriers or tankers.
Factors affecting salary
Vessel type: Salaries are often higher for masters on tankers, gas carriers, and other specialized vessels due to increased risk and complexity.
