Abstract The maritime transport industry plays a vital role in global trade but faces increasing challenges in workforce attraction and retention. The sector struggles with an aging workforce, skill gaps due to rapid technological advancements, deteriorating mental and physical health among seafarers, and poor working conditions, leading to high attrition rates. This paper explores how strategic talent management (TM) can address these challenges and enhance the attractiveness of maritime transport careers. The study applies a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of workforce trends and qualitative case studies from leading maritime organizations. Results show that structured recruitment, upskilling programs, improved working conditions, and sustainability initiatives significantly contribute to workforce retention and job satisfaction. By positioning TM as a strategic imperative, the maritime sector can become a progressive, sustainable, and desirable career choice.
Alexiev et al. (Tue,) studied this question.