02/06/2026
The Q1 2026 Seafarers Happiness Index showed a quarter of two halves, beginning with encouraging stabilisation before the outbreak of conflict in the Persian Gulf drove happiness down to 7.01/10, a 4.6% decline in a matter of weeks.
The overall picture is deeply concerning. The speed and scale of deterioration following the conflict, combined with deepening structural pressures around workload, fatigue and wages, suggests the industry faces both an immediate humanitarian challenge and a long-term systemic crisis.
Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, The Mission to Seafarers, says: "The industry cannot afford to treat these as separate problems. Behind these numbers are real people, stranded, frightened and cut off from their families. Seafarers need our compassion, support, and advocacy. Without meaningful action, the maritime sector risks deepening its recruitment and retention crisis, with far-reaching consequences for safety, sustainability, and the stability of global trade."
The Mission to Seafarers will continue working with the shipping industry to address the challenges facing seafarers and to improve their welfare, making sure they are safe and that all their needs are met.
Read the latest SHI report here: https://bit.ly/4tRqXYp