Shanghai now has a working population of around 215,000 in the shipping industry and authorities are keen on increasing this number to further develop the industry. [Photo/IC]

The contribution of shipping professionals in Shanghai rose to 91.8 billion yuan in 2017, accounting for 28.45 percent of the industry's total GDP in the city, according to statistics recently released by Shanghai authorities.

The statistics, compiled by the the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Shanghai Maritime University, are based on a survey of 128 key shipping companies and public institutions in the city.

Also, data collected from a database of thousands of local shipping companies and public institutions has revealed that the working population of the shopping industry in Shanghai is now around 215,000 with the number expected to continue rising every year.

From 2010 to July 2018, the number of talented personnel brought in by the 128 companies and institutions surveyed amounted to 3,705, of which 86 percent are aged between 25 and 35.

The young professionals include divers, experienced captains, and highly-skilled technicians for vessel design and manufacturing.

Officials have also announced that local shipping enterprises are working on recruiting overseas talented personnel to promote their international development.

In order to help the shipping companies grow further and serve the talents better, the city's Pudong New Area is building an international shipping talent service platform.