News / Labour shortages on land and at sea as Ukraine invasion ripples spread

© Chuanchai Pundej

Putin’s war against Ukraine will exacerbate the logistics sector’s labour shortage, as sanctions impede recruitment for seafarers and drivers.

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) data notes that Russians account for 10.5% (198,123) of the global shipping workforce, with Ukraine providing 76,442 (or 4%), and warned restrictions on Russian crew could hinder a sector already hit by labour shortages.

ICS said: “To maintain unfettered trade, seafarers must be able to join and disembark ships freely across the world. With flights cancelled in the ...