Shipboard fatigue is indeed a significant concern among sailors in the maritime sector, impacting their well-being and performance. This study investigates the impact of virtual team management strategies (i.e., flexible scheduling, virtual check-ins and technology use) on shipboard fatigue via the process of perceived social support and the moderating influence of remote work arrangements. A stratified sampling method was employed to choose participants from the Indonesian maritime sector. Data collection took place at two separate time points, with a total of 455 participants included in the study. The findings of the study indicate that the implementation of virtual team management strategies has a significant influence on shipboard fatigue and the perception of social support. The influence of perceived social support on shipboard fatigue was found to be statistically significant. Moreover, the association between virtual team management strategies and shipboard fatigue was found to be mediated by perceived social support. The relationship between perceived social support and shipboard fatigue was influenced by the specific type of remote work status. These findings exhibit theoretical implications in relation to comprehending the dynamics of virtual teams, social support, and fatigue within the maritime industry. This study makes a valuable contribution to the current body of literature by emphasizing the significance of virtual team management strategies and perceived social support in alleviating shipboard fatigue among sailors.