The declining number of seafarers has raised concerns about Finland’s future maritime workforce. A study by the Finnish Security of Supply Organization’s Maritime Transport Pool examines the availability of Finnish maritime personnel from a national security perspective.
Globally, maritime personnel availability is an urgent issue, and Finland faces similar challenges. Experienced professionals are needed not only on ships but also in shipping company land operations, the maritime industry, ports, pilotage, and traffic management. The study Availability of Maritime Personnel in Finland reviews current workforce levels and projections through 2040.
The number of active Finnish seafarers on Finnish-flagged vessels has remained fairly stable, but shortages exist, particularly in positions requiring experience and in engine departments. Many current seafarers are expected to retire by 2040, creating a significant need for replacement recruitment.
Serious disruptions, such as a security crisis in the Baltic Sea, would immediately reduce the available workforce. The study finds that reliance on EU/EEA personnel is uncertain in such scenarios, while personnel from outside these areas are largely unavailable, highlighting the importance of a domestic workforce.
Attractiveness and Retention Are Key
Ensuring Finland has enough skilled maritime personnel is vital for maintaining transport services essential to society, even during disruptions. Maritime transport handles most of Finland’s foreign trade, and retirements combined with low youth interest will challenge workforce sufficiency. The Finnish merchant fleet underpins personnel availability, serving as both employer and sectoral attraction, making its strengthening crucial.
The study identifies improvements for normal and exceptional conditions, including smoother sea-land career rotations, closer ties between education and industry, and clearer procedures for personnel reserves.
Finnish maritime operations are essential to the national security of supply, and workforce availability is critical. Strengthening the sector’s attractiveness and retention is key to ensuring sufficient maritime personnel in the future.
The study, conducted in spring 2025, is based on interviews, online surveys, and statistics from multiple sources. It was carried out by Kokonat Ltd., a consulting firm specializing in security-of-supply issues.
Condensed and translated by the editorial team.
Photos: Pexels
Source: Finnish Shipowners’ Association
