Welcome April 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of the Seafarer Bulletin!

Over the last month we have commenced our 2025 V.  Officers Conference schedule where we will be hosting 18 conferences around the world over the next 10 months. 

The V. Officers Conference brings together senior officers from across V. to explore the evolving role of leadership at sea. The conference serves as a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and strategies that strengthen crew leadership, enhance communication, and promote a culture of safety, accountability and respect.  This conference equips seafarers with the tools and mindset needed to lead with confidence and integrity.

However, it is not just about leadership.  In today’s rapidly evolving maritime industry, the role of the seafarer has never been more dynamic—or more critical. With advancements in technology, regulatory updates, and the growing emphasis on safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency, staying current is not just an option—it’s a necessity.   

Training and continuous learning are cornerstones of professional development at sea. Whether mastering new fuel technologies, enhancing navigational skills, or understanding the latest safety protocols, ongoing education empowers seafarers to perform confidently and competently in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Continuous learning not only strengthens individual capability but also reinforces a culture of excellence, safety, and resilience across the entire crew. By embracing lifelong learning, you can achieve sustained success—both on board and beyond.  

With open arms we look forward to welcoming you in one of our Training Centres and V. Officers Conferences soon.

Rob Porter

(Global Head of Marine learning Development)

Who Is Rob Porter & What Is His Role As The Global Head of Marine Learning Development?

There are many roles across Marine HR and the Seafarer Bulletin intends to introduce you to the leadership team over the next year, to find out more about them and their role with V.

1. What is your role with V. Group and what is it you really want to achieve within it?

As the Global Head of Marine Learning & Development at V.Group, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of seafarer training. Having been with the company for just over a year, I have had the opportunity to observe, learn, and understand the unique needs of our global maritime community. Looking ahead, there are several goals I am passionate about achieving: maintaining a high-quality and consistent learning experience for seafarers across both face-to-face classroom and digital environments; ensuring that our training solutions are engaging, interactive, and highly relevant; strengthening leadership development at sea; and continuously assessing the impact and effectiveness of our training programs to drive meaningful improvements in learning outcomes.

2. What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

One of my first jobs was as a trainer in the aviation industry, delivering technical systems training and behavioural training. The biggest learning for me in that role was the importance of being prepared and organised. To ensure each training course I delivered was effective and ran smoothly, I spent 80% of my time on preparation and 20% on delivery. "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail" was my mantra!

3. What's one thing you've learned about this company that you didn't know when you started?

 I've certainly learnt a lot and am learning new things every day! I underestimated the complexities involved in getting seafarers onto vessels and all the logistics that surround it. I would also say that being aware of the lifestyle of a seafarer — for example, being away from home and family for months at a time and having to complete training during vacation periods — is very unique compared to industries I have worked in previously.

4. What's a skill you're currently trying to learn?

The art of patience! To be fair I've been learning that most of my adult life and will continue to do so.

5. Finally what advice would give a seafarer looking to develop for the future and where can they find out more?

• Stay Committed to Learning – Make continuous learning part of your routine. Whether it’s new safety procedures, emerging fuel technologies, or leadership skills, every new piece of knowledge adds to your value.
• Seek Feedback and Mentorship – Don’t wait for formal evaluations — ask for feedback regularly and learn from experienced crew members. A good mentor can help you navigate challenges and make informed career choices.
• Build Soft Skills – Technical knowledge is vital, but so are communication, teamwork, and leadership. These qualities set strong officers and future leaders apart.
• Be Aware of Industry Trends – Understand where the industry is heading — digitalization, sustainability, and automation are reshaping maritime roles. Being proactive about these trends can give you a major advantage.
• Set Career Goals – Think ahead where do you want to be in five or ten years? Setting goals, even informal ones, keeps you focused and motivated.

Seafarers can find out more about training and crew conferences from their CMP if they are afloat, or their local mobilisation team if they are ashore.

V.Group Photography Competition 2025 – Winners Announced

Since the start of 2025 the V.Group Photography Competition has received some incredible entries from our seafarers and shore-based staff around the world.

The competition gave everyone a chance to showcase life at sea — from rewarding moments to the challenges faced — and brought to life the people, places, and communities that make up our global team.

We had three themes this year: People, Places, and Communities Afloat.

• People – We asked for portraits capturing our fellow seafarers at work and at play.
• Places – We invited images of the incredible locations visited around the world.
• Communities Afloat – We looked for photos that showed the strong bonds and teamwork onboard.

The competition was open to all seafarers and shore-based staff, with our panel of judges having a difficult task in selecting images that met the criteria in each category and the competition rules. Here’s what they said.

"It was a privilege to judge the V.Group Photography Competition 2025. The quality and diversity of the entries were outstanding. Congratulations to all who took part and shared their life at sea with us." -David Nolan, HSSEQ Manager, V.Ships UK

"Our seafarers capture some of the most unique views of our world, often unseen by others. Thank you for sharing your world through these incredible photographs." - Julia Russell, GMT

"It was a pleasure to help judge the 2025 competition. The standard of entries was so high it made picking a winner really tough! Thanks to everyone who took part. We look forward to seeing even more entries next year — keep snapping!" -  Marie Kenny, Commercial Associate, V.Group

So we’re excited to announce the winners, with each winner receiving a USD 250 travel voucher to spend on Global Marine Travel (GMT).

Look out as other shortlisted images (that met our safety guidelines) will also be featured across V. Group’s digital platforms.

2025 Winners and Runners-Up

People Category

Winner :

Jose Alejandro Varela Méndez, 2nd Officer on SH Diana, captured a tender driver under clear Antarctic skies aboard one of V.’s leisure vessels.

Runner-Up :

Deck Cadet Joshua Balacano Apongol, who captured an image of three crew members walking along the deck of MV Hydrus anchored off Singapore.

Runner-Up:

Adrian Lar C. Caspe, Deck Cadet on M/V Atlantic Ibis, who captured a cadet's first journey onboard notes.
“Even with a different kind of heat and humidity, and unfamiliar faces, the cadet was excited to embark on his new journey, filled with passion and dreams of becoming an Officer.

Places Category

Winner:

Elgin Hernandez, Chief Housekeeper on Silver Endeavour, photographed ‘Where the KING Rules!’ off South Georgia Island, featuring a colony of King penguins in the foreground.

Runner-Up:

Master C Vijay, who captured a vessel sailing under the Atlantic Bridge near Cristobal, Panama, from Seaways Hercules.

Runner-Up:

Parviz Karimli, 2nd Officer, who photographed the Chemical Tanker VS Glory in drydock in Singapore from a unique angle.

Communities Afloat Category

Winner:

Sirente Sali Bakari, Deck Cadet onboard Sahara Gas, who captured a dynamic fire drill off the Gulf of Guinea:
"Fire drills are essential onboard to prepare the crew for emergencies and to familiarize them with their responsibilities. Although no one hopes for such incidents, preparation is key."

Runner-Up:

Parviz Karimli, 2nd Officer on VS Glory, who photographed a ship-to-ship operation at Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Runner-Up:

Chief Officer Mykyta Maloman, who captured a Rescue Boat drill from MV Championship at anchorage in Oman.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered and supported the competition.
We loved seeing the world through your lens — and we can't wait to see what you’ll capture for 2026!

🏆 Meet the March 2025 V.Group Safety Catch of the Month Winner!

We are delighted to announce that the V.Group Safety Catch Award for March 2025 goes to A/B Balveer Singh Chauhan aboard the BELATLANTIC (Singapore/India Cluster).  

This month’s safety catch highlights the critical importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and proactive intervention in preventing potential incidents. 

AB Balveer Singh Cauhan observed a stevedore attempting to descend the pilot ladder into a boat without wearing a lifejacket — a hazardous act with serious safety implications. Recognizing the potential danger, Balveer stopped the stevedore, supplied him with a lifejacket, and ensured it was properly worn before allowing the descent to continue. 

This quick and vigilant action prevented a potentially life-threatening situation and exemplifies our core safety values and could lead to potential incident or injury. Falls from pilot ladders or during boarding operations continue to be a known risk across the industry. There have been multiple reports of serious injuries and fatalities where individuals, especially non-crew personnel, fell into the water without adequate flotation devices. 

Wearing a life jacket is a non-negotiable when working near water, especially on open decks or while using pilot ladders; while, everyone onboard – crew and visitors alike – must be held to the same safety standards.Thanks to Balveer’s intervention, the risk was significantly reduced, underscoring the vital role of PPE in maritime safety and how speaking up to correct unsafe behaviours saves lives. 

Let’s all be inspired by this example. A strong safety culture thrives when we take ownership—not just for our own safety, but for that of everyone around us. 

Congratulations to AB Balveer Singh Chauhan, the crew aboard BELATLANTIC, and our HSSEQ and Fleet teams for supporting a vigilant safety culture. 

Balveer will receive a certificate and a $200 GMT travel voucher in recognition of his attentiveness and embodying our shared commitment to safety.

We encourage everyone to keep submitting safety observations and actively participate in the V.Group Safety Catch of the Month programme. This programme is an excellent opportunity to not only identify good practices – but also recognize the everyday heroes onboard our vessels. Our seafarers are the first line of defence against unsafe acts and conditions, and through their vigilance, they uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism. By spotlighting actions like this, we aim to foster a culture where good decisions are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Check out the Lessons Learnt from this incident and more in our Learning Library, available below.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and vigilance. Looking forward to the next round of Safety Catch nominations! 

Please encourage your colleagues to submit safety observations and actively participate in the V.Group Safety Catch of the Month campaign. 

V.Cadets Update

Paolo Reyes in Manila updated us recently upon meeting our V. Ships cadets at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)

Had an amazing time last week meeting our cadets at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific. Accompanied by Marine HR COO Falkenberg, Allan, our visit was not merely a routine engagement; it was a moment filled with youthful energy, encouragement, and a strong belief in the potential of the 52 bright young men and women training to become the future leaders of the maritime industry.

Allan presented the various professional opportunities at V. and spoke about our values and culture. The first classmen shared their learning experiences onboard our managed vessels, inspiring the younger cadets. There were 8 female cadets in the group, and we shared with them the company’s commitment to increasing diversity in the fleet and assured them of our support.

I’m excited to return in July to attend the graduation ceremonies!

Well Done MV Propel Shakti

Krithika Balasubramanian the Office Manager in Chennai highlighted their pride in a recent rescue by MV Propel Shakti and the support from the Chennai Fleet Cell.

We are proud to share a remarkable story of bravery and teamwork that unfolded recently. On Saturday, April 19th, our managed vessel MV Propel Shakti played a crucial role in the rescue of the crew from a distressed tugboat, MV Yuda, after a significant fire incident.

Upon receiving a distress call from the UAE Coast Guard, MV Propel Shakti swiftly diverted to the location, approximately 6 miles away.

The dedicated crew courageously rescued 3 crew members from the life raft at 0045 hrs and provided them with safe shelter onboard.

Subsequently, the tugboat AL SADIK 10 arrived, and the rescued crew members were securely transferred to safety.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire team for their:

• Quick response
• Exceptional seamanship
• Compassionate care for the rescued crew

This outstanding operation exemplifies our team's unwavering commitment to safety, teamwork, and humanity. Let us take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedication and bravery of the crew members involved in this operation!

NEW PPE shared at Piraeus Crew Conference

The 2025 Crew Conferences have been underway at venues across the globe as an opportunity to bring together seafarers and shore teams to share updates, ideas, and training across V.’s fleets.

The new MARINER and GRACE flame resistant boilersuits were on hand for feedback from seafarers and demonstrating that your safety and comfort are our top priority.  Following the feedback gained from crews, both at the design stage and at the conference.

Look out for your new PPE as it is rolled out this summer.

MV AKUNA Historical Achievement

Recently at Glebe Island, Australia our managed vessel under CSL Australia has been celebrating a record of 25,063 metric tonnes of cement transportation for Cement Australia. We have been recognised by Owner for excellent collaboration between the ship's crew under our management and shore teams, which enabled the record cargo lift - the equivalent of over ~1,000 truck movements.

We are extremely proud of our crew who contributed to Owner's success.

V. VP – March Update

The V.Group Verification Program (V.VP) sets objectives that seek to continually improve our performances operationally. Adriana Woodcock is the HSSEQ & Operations analyst and each month will provide more details on some of the key metrics within the V.VP.

The overall V.VP Score for March was a 2.19 out of 4.00. Although the overall score saw a slight dip compared to last month, we've made remarkable improvements compared to the same period last year.

Top Performing Cluster: China shines brightly with an impressive score of 3.01. - Fantastic work, keep it up!

Outstanding Office: Boston shows resilience, maintaining strong performance with a score of 3.30

Leading Fleets: Boston Fleet stands tall with a commendable score of 3.43, alongside ITM Greece Fleet 1, which saw an impressive increase to 3.41 this month

Exceptional Vessels: Seaways Liberty leads with a remarkable 3.93, closely followed by CSL Metis with 3.91  & RT Hon Paul E Martin with 3.88.

Notable Segments: General Cargo (Bulkers) segment achieved a score of 2.43, closely followed by Tankers at 2.42

For this month we would like to share Bunkering Compliance Metric which help us monitoring procedures and practices related to bunkering. This involves assessing the bunkering process, including the equipment used, the protocols followed (such as pre-bunkering checks), and the training of personnel involved.

Conducting Bunkering Compliance Audits on our vessels is essential to ensure adherence to environmental and safety regulations, verify the accuracy of fuel transactions, and prevent potential legal liabilities. These audits help maintain standards for fuel quality and quantity, detect any discrepancies or fraudulent activities, and promote best practices for efficient and sustainable operations.

Overall, they ensure our commitment to regulatory compliance and operational integrity. In the V.VP this Audit will be scored at Vessel level (a score of 0 or 4.00) then aggregated at Fleet, Office, Cluster and Group. Anything > 90% compliance will score your Office a 4.00.  Call your vessel Superintendent to arrange your Bunkering Audit with the V. Assurance team as soon as possible.

ESG - V.’s Decarbonisation Aims 2025

V. commits to meeting the most ambitious targets of the International Maritime Organisation 2023 strategy for the reduction of GHG emissions from shipping. We will deliver this across V.Ships as per the diagram below.

MMMCZCS Insights from ISWG-GHG 18

The ISWG-GHG 18 meeting highlighted critical steps in advancing the decarbonization of the shipping industry. Key discussions focused on developing a Global GHG Fuel Standard (GFS) and establishing clear fuel certification regulations. Participants stressed the importance of imposing significant penalties for non-compliance to accelerate the shift to zero-emission fuels. Economic tools, including GHG pricing and a proposed two-tiered GFS, were suggested to generate funding for decarbonization efforts. While some challenges remain, there is optimism that the forthcoming MEPC 83 meeting will drive further progress toward the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ambitious net-zero goals.

LNG Dominates New Alternative Fuel Ship Orders

In February 2025, 34 new ships were ordered, with 33 featuring dual-fuel engines that can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This pattern, particularly in the container ship sector, has continued since mid-2024, signalling a strong preference for LNG as an alternative fuel for decarbonization. Only one vessel, a cargo ship, will be ammonia-powered. LNG-powered ships are expected to nearly double by 2030. However, the total number of alternative fuel ship orders in the first two months of 2025 has dropped by 35% compared to the same period in 2024, according to DNV.

V. Ships UK secures full management contract with International Seaways for six dual-fuel (LNG) ready newbuild tankers

Reinforcing the ESG commitment V. has been awarded the full technical and crew management of six scrubber-fitted, dual-fuel (LNG) ready LR1 vessels by International Seaways, Inc. (“International Seaways” or “INSW”)

The contract further strengthens V.'s long-standing partnership with INSW in which V.Ships UK already manages 44 vessels in the INSW fleet, spanning VLCCs, Suezmax, Aframax, Panamax (LR1) and MR vessels.

The six LR1 vessels, currently under construction at K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in South Korea, will be delivered over a 12-month timeframe, starting in the third quarter of 2025. The vessels stand out for their dual-fuel (LNG) ready capability, positioning them at the forefront of the industry's drive towards more sustainable shipping operations.

Commenting on the contract win, René Kofod-Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, V.Group, said: "We are delighted to further expand our relationship with International Seaways through this significant new contract. Our decade-long partnership with INSW is built on open and transparent collaboration, and this contract win is testament to the value we deliver through our comprehensive ship management and marine services.”

Shubpreet Singh, Senior Managing Director, V.Ships UK, added: "We are excited to be strengthening our relationship and further growing our INSW fleet. These dual-fuel ready vessels represent the future of shipping, and we're proud to be entrusted with their management from the moment they leave the shipyard."

William Nugent, Chief Technical and Sustainability Officer, International Seaways, commented: “This contract reinforces our long-standing collaboration with V., and recognises their position in managing advanced, environmentally progressive vessels. We are looking forward to the experienced V. team applying their expertise to these state-of-the-art vessels, ensuring they operate at the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance from day one."

The agreement represents another milestone in V.’s growth strategy and highlights the company's commitment to supporting shipowners in their transition towards more sustainable and efficient vessel operations. V.’s proven track record in managing diverse vessel types positions it well to be the partner of choice for forward-thinking shipping companies across a range of market segments.

V.CARE: Wellbeing Webinar – Building Respectful relationships

Building Respectful Relationships

In this month’s wellbeing webinar, a psychologist with ComPsych, Priya Ray Chaudhuri, will delve into the topic of building respect in relationships.  Priya has worked with mental healthcare organisations both in India and the U.K. And has been a practising Counsellor for the last ten years.

Key Learning Points

The training session will help attendees:

1. Understand what respectful relationships look like, professionally and personally
2. Appreciate the benefits of respectful relationships
3. Recognise obstacles to giving and receiving respect
4. Learning techniques that build respect

The recording of the orientation will be made available after the live session. {LINK}

Next month the V.Care team will be looking at Career opportunities ashore, where you can share your experience at sea.

V.CARE: Wellbeing Webinars

You can catch up with the rest of  EAP orientation and previous webinars below:

https://vimeo.com/1049342320?share=copy

Are you aware of all the wellbeing resources available to you?

Both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and inspiration for your wellbeing can be found on the V.Care website, or available through the V.Crew Connect App.

You can also join the V.Care Facebook page to hear from other V. seafarers and families about their journey with V.

Voyage Loyalty Activities That Earn You More SeaStars

Voyage Loyalty continues its global expansion with Junior and Senior Officers becoming eligible to start earning SeaStars to access a growing range of new rewards.

Earning SeaStars is intended to reward the work you are already doing.  Once you are notified of eligibility and you register to join Voyage Loyalty, you start can start earning.

An example is through attendance at Crew Conferences, where officers have managed to gain as much as 500 SeaStars, by registering, updating details and attending.

In addition the raft of new benefits has been added so that Voyage Loyalty Members can receive discounts or vouchers from top brand names in different countries around the world.

Look out for your invite to join Voyage Loyalty via the V.Crew Connect App. and be further rewarded for your loyalty to V.

Find out more about Voyage Loyalty below.

ShipMoney - Your Digital Payment Solution

ShipMoney is our handy payroll solution tailored for seafarers, offering financial flexibility and reducing transfer costs.

With ShipMoney, you can be confident that your funds are fully secure. ShipMoney accounts are safeguarded by enhanced security measures, including Two-Factor OTP, Visa Secure, PCI compliance, and FDIC insurance.

If you haven't yet obtained your ShipMoney card, speak to your Master today.

Healthy Corner - Allergens

Managing food allergies & sensitivities.

Unlike food intolerance, which affects digestion, a food allergy triggers a serious immune response that can be life-threatening.

A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific food triggering symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and cardiovascular system. In severe cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.

A food intolerance is a digestive reaction that occurs when the body lacks the necessary enzymes to process certain foods properly. Unlike food allergies, it does not involve the immune system, cause an allergic reaction, or pose a life-threatening risk.

6 Points to Remember:

• Food allergies are serious medical conditions, not just food preferences. Your cooperation is crucial in preventing allergic reactions.

• Guests and crew members with food allergies rely on the Chief Cook to provide accurate information about ingredients in the menus.

• Hidden allergens can be found in unexpected places, putting individuals at risk. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• Preventing cross-contact is essential when preparing meals for those with food allergies. Use separate utensils, surfaces, and cookware.

• Food sensitivities and intolerances differ from allergies but can still cause significant discomfort. Be mindful of guests with dietary restrictions.

• If a mistake occurs with a special order, the only solution is to discard the incorrect meal and prepare a new one safely.