In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia has long been a key player in the maritime industry, thanks to its strategic position along the Straits of Malacca. But a new study, published in the journal “Chemical Engineering Transactions” (translated from Italian), is shedding light on some significant challenges the country faces in maintaining its maritime workforce and ship registration growth.
Lead author Fabian Sg., whose affiliation is not specified, has been digging into the data from the JALIN and Seafarers’ Documentation (SDPx) databases, covering the years 2019 to 2023. The findings are a mixed bag, with some positive trends but also some worrying signs.
On the bright side, there’s been a 21% increase in registered ships, and a substantial growth in seafarer ratings by 115% and officer positions by 4%. But here’s the catch: there’s a 27% shortage of local seafarers for Malaysian vessels, up from 26% in 2018. What’s more, the proportion of local seafarers choosing to work on foreign-flagged ships has sharply risen to 40%, compared to just 17% in 2018.
So, what’s driving these trends? Fabian Sg. suggests that it’s a combination of factors, including low regulatory compliance and a lack of qualified seafarers. “Addressing these trends is vital not only for national maritime competitiveness but also for reducing reliance on foreign labor, enhancing environmental outcomes and ensuring long-term industry sustainability,” the author states.
For maritime professionals, these findings highlight some significant commercial impacts and opportunities. The shortage of local seafarers could lead to increased reliance on foreign labor, which can be more expensive and less predictable. It also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Malaysian maritime sector.
But there are also opportunities here. The growth in registered ships and seafarer positions suggests that there’s a strong demand for maritime services in Malaysia. By investing in targeted training reforms and workforce development strategies, the country could tap into this demand and build a more resilient and sustainable maritime sector.
As Fabian Sg. puts it, “strengthened policy frameworks, targeted training reforms and more responsive workforce development strategies” are key to addressing these trends. For maritime professionals, this means there’s a real chance to shape the future of the industry, by working with policymakers and educators to create a more skilled and sustainable workforce.
In the meantime, the data from this study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the challenges facing the Malaysian maritime sector. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that a proactive and strategic approach will be essential to ensure its long-term success.