Slowing growth in the size of the shipping fleet will reduce the shortage of officers over the coming years, according to a new report by Drewry.

“The global shipping fleet – encompassing ships over 10,000-dwt – is expected to rise by 300 vessels through 2016-2020,” it says.

“As a result, the shortage in officer supply is forecast to reduce from 20,900 at the end of 2015 to 7,700 by the end of 2020.”

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