2026 Agenda

Breakbulk Voices Stage

At Sea, Under Pressure: Tackling Seafarer Wellbeing

Future Readiness

Talent Gap

17 Jun 2026

12:10(40 mins)

Demanding conditions, long periods away from home, and evolving operational pressures continue to shape life at sea. More recently, we’re also seeing geopolitical instability add further strain, with disrupted trade routes, heightened security concerns, and extended periods at anchorage or diversion - all of which contribute to uncertainty and fatigue among seafarers.

Added to this, the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies is transforming onboard operations. While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency, they also bring fresh challenges. Increased monitoring, higher data demands, and a constant need for upskilling can add to the cognitive workload and stress if not carefully managed.

Given all these factors, it’s clear that improving seafarer wellbeing is no longer just a “nice to have”- it’s critical to retention, safety and the long-term stability of the maritime workforce.