End-of-year message 2025

V.Group CEO René Kofod-Olsen shared his end-of-year message,  reflecting on 2025 and outlining expectations for 2026, and we invite you to listen to it via the link below.

"As we approach the close of 2025 and prepare for the year ahead, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your dedication and commitment throughout this past year. It is the collective effort of each of you, at sea and on shore, that has continued to drive our company forward."

"I wish you and your families a safe, joyous holiday and a happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2026."

Cyber Hygiene Onboard

Following a recent issues involving vessels we would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of cyber hygiene on vessels.

Maintaining strong cyber security standards onboard is critical to protecting vessel operations and company data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enforce Policy: Personal removable media (USB drives, external hard drives, SD cards) must never be connected to vessel systems.
• Visitor Briefing: All visitors must be informed of cyber security requirements before accessing any onboard systems.
• USB Ports: USB ports on devices onboard the vessel must either be disabled or approved blockers, which have been provided, must be used.
• Approved Use Only: Any exceptions for removable media must be approved by the Cyber Security Team.
• Remote Access - please ensure you seek approval from any remote access from untrusted external parties.
• Be Vigilant - check emails from untrusted or external sources for signs
• Report any suspicious activity to the Vessel Support Team.

Why this matters:

• Removable media is a common source of malware and can compromise vessel systems.
• Remote access is also a commonly used tool by cyber criminals who will pose as
• Cyber incidents can disrupt operations and pose safety risks.

For complete details, please refer to the Vessel Cyber Security Plan Vessel Cyber Security Plan in the VMS or contact the Cyber Security Team (csirt@vships.com) for guidance.

Thank you for your leadership in maintaining a secure and resilient onboard environment.

Photo Contest 2026

We are delighted to announce the return of the V. Photography Competition for 2026. We love to see how our seafarers’ lives can inspire and capture our imagination through rewarding or sometimes challenging conditions while working at sea.

We received a lot of remarkable entries from across the globe last year that demonstrated life at sea. We hope you are able to share more of these images as we start 2026.

There are three key themes this year: Culture and Community; Safety and the Environment; and Innovation and Learning.

• Culture and Community – Capturing life and interactions onboard of friendship, humour, teamwork, collaboration, recreation, multicultural celebrations
• Safety and the Environment – safe working practices, marine life, clean protected waters, good seamanship in practice, drills, spill prevention, etc.
• Innovation and Learning– the future of maritime, digitisation, new technology, smart ports and terminals, cadets, mentoring, etc.

The 2026 photography competition is open to both seafarers and onshore staff.

Safety and wellbeing are paramount so any images that are not compliant with V.Group policies and procedures cannot be shortlisted.

The winning picture from each category will receive a travel voucher to the value of USD 250, to be used on tickets purchased from Global Marine Travel (GMT).

All shortlisted pictures that meet our safety guidelines will be posted on our social channels.

A judging panel of colleagues across V.Group will decide the winner in each category.

The winner will be announced in Q2 2026.

Entries should be sent to v.photos@v.group by 31 March 2026.

Two Heroes, One Mission: Safety First!

Holiday Cheers for Our November 2025 V.Group Safety Catch Winners! 

As we celebrate the festive season, we are proud to recognize two outstanding team members for their exceptional commitment to safety:  

• Fireman James Shibu of NUIM ANTAN (Offshore Cluster), exceptionally selected by the V.Group Executive Team for his proactive intervention during a confined space entry, which most likely prevented a serious incident, and  

• 3rd Engineer Yuqi Song (TS KEELUNG, China Cluster) chosen by colleagues as the most voted entry in our Safety Catch poll!  

Each winner will receive a certificate of appreciation, a personal commendation letters, and a $200 GMT Travel Voucher for their remarkable contributions to safety. 

Spotlight on Their Achievements 

Fireman James: While serving as standby for a confined space entry, James conducted gas testing at the top level of the flotation vessel at M01. When his has monitor detected a high LEL alarm, he immediately halted the operation and informed the CCR, Safety Officer, and Head of Department. An investigation revealed that prior ventilation was inadequate. Thanks to James’ proactiveness and vigilance, proper ventilation was reinstated, reinforcing safety protocols within the team and preventing a potentially fatal incident. Confined spaces remain one of the most dangerous working areas in our industry and account for the largest proportion of fatalities. James’ proactive response most likely saved lives and sets a powerful example for all of us. 

3rd Engineer Yuqi: Demonstrated outstanding proactive vigilance when the No.3 exhaust valve’s pressure relief valve began leaking oil and air bubbles due to a worn O-ring. Yuqi swiftly replaced the O-ring and conducted a thorough test to restore normal exhaust valve operation. His decisive action averted a potential major machinery failure and safety related incident, safeguarding engine performance, preventing erroneous slow-down alarms, and reinforcing reliability for the entire propulsion system. 

Reminder: Your Right to Stop Work Authority 

Remember, every V. colleague has the right and responsibility to exercise Stop Work Authority if they suspect unsafe conditions or unsafe acts. Let’s address safety concerns together before work resumes. 

Join Us in Promoting a Safe Culture 

This festive season, let’s continue to foster a strong safety culture by supporting each other, raising safety observations and celebrating proactive leadership. Together, we ensure a safer workplace for all. 

#HaveYourSay 

Safety Gear Update – Continuing Our Commitment for Uniform Standards in 2026

At V., our commitment to improving safety and wellbeing onboard remains strong. Following the successful introduction of the V. Approved MARINER boilersuit earlier this year— a flame-resistant, anti-static coverall developed in partnership with PPE specialists STOP driven by the feedback gathered from the Safety Culture Survey (SCS)—we are pleased to confirm that distribution will continue into 2026 across the fleet.

The MARINER boilersuit, along with the GRACE female-fit version, has been praised for its comfort, durability, and compliance with flame-resistant and anti-static standards. Thank you to all crews who shared feedback and helped make this initiative a success.

Note: Please continue sharing onboard team photos to bulletin@v.group once the new standardized coveralls have been received onboard

What’s Next? Standardised Safety Footwear
Building on the positive response to the coveralls, we are now moving forward with standardized V.Approved safety footwear. This initiative aims to ensure consistent quality, comfort, and protection for all seafarers. The selected models have been trialed and approved, and rollout will come in 2026. Stay tuned for details!

Leading by Example
Special thanks to the crews who embraced the new gear and set the standard for professionalism and safety onboard. Together, we continue to raise the bar for safety culture across V.

Seafarers and Families have a festive celebration in Manila

The team at V. Manila had a joyful gathering for seafarers & family at the Christmas Party at Palacio De Maynila at the weekend.

Celebrating unity, gratitude, and the spirit of the season.

From exciting games to memorable performances, from honouring our loyal seafarers to celebrating with their families, our Year-End Party was a beautiful reminder of what matters most: people, connection, and gratitude.

We have no doubt all our seafarers will celebrate the end of the year onboard and we welcome you sharing these celebrations with us by tagging @VCare #vcares on social media.  

Multiple wins across the Group : November Review

V.Ships

This November, both MOL and Zhejiang Shipping have awarded us a Cruise Ship and Bulk Carrier respectively. An exciting win from our Leisure and China offices.

1x Bulk Carrier — A repeat business win from Zhejiang Shipping, highlighting our customer’s continued trust in our capabilities. Office: V.Ships China

1x Cruise Ship — Mitsui Ocean Sakura is the second MOL cruise ship to join our Leisure portfolio, reflecting our team’s successful and growing relationship with the customer. Office: V.Ships Leisure

V.Services

Last month, V. Services continued expanding their footprint with strategic partners to cross-pollinate with multiple wins. Here are some of the highlights:

GMT won a contract from Slot Tankers, executing a dedicated campaign targeting its largest competitor ATPI. Leveraging the recent management and operations change within the latter. The win showcases the successful business development approach & strategy.

SeaTec was awarded a Newbuild Supervision contract by DEME, strengthening further our collaboration and proximity with a V. Key Account as One Platform.

Oceanic secured a 15-vessel contract with TORM on top of an offshore catering contract with Northern Marine, delivering services to vessels operated by Navigator Gas, part of the broader expansion strategy within the BW Group of companies.

Each win represents teamwork, commitment, and confidence in our ability.

A big thank you to all teams involved - your continued effort keeps our momentum strong.

Shell Maritime Partners in Safety Experience Survey

In support of the Shell Maritime Partners in Safety Experience Survey, we are sharing the survey link with all colleagues and seafarers across V.

This survey is designed for all mariners and applicable office staff involved in the safe operation of vessels. By sharing your insights, you help continue to build safer and more effective workplaces together.

The survey focuses on the programme’s core pillars:

• Leadership
• Learning
• Safety Culture
• Care for People

The programme's ambition is to foster a performance-driven, safety-first culture. One that motivates every person to contribute to safer operations, where every person has a voice working together for every mariner to return home safely.

Instructions for respondents

1. Access the Survey in the language you would like to complete it, using this link.
2. Complete all sections honestly based on your own experience. Your answers will be completely anonymous.
3. The survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
4. Ensure you click Submit at the end. You will see a confirmation message once your responses are recorded.
5. Please complete the survey by the 12th of January 2026.

Your feedback is essential to improving safety, collaboration, and overall experience. Your responses will:

• Help identify areas for improvement.

• Support initiatives that enhance safety and partnership.
• Remain anonymous and used only for programme development.

Together, we can create safer, more effective workplaces for everyone, with a drive to be part of a zero-incident industry, where every mariner returns home safely. Thank you for taking the time to share and complete the Maritime Partners in Safety Experience Survey.

For more information on the survey, contact Arran Hewlett, HSSEQ Co-ordinator, Group HSSEQ.

V.Care Wellbeing Webinars

Each month V.Care host webinars on topics suggested by our seafarers and delivered by ComPsych psychologists. Some of the topics planned for 2026 include:

• Seafarers Fatigue and Sleep Management
• Workload and Manning Balance
• Ship to Shore programme / Career Development
• Social Connection and Belonging
• Digital Wellbeing
• Crisis and Trauma Response Readiness
• Psychological Safety and Crew Culture
• Physical Health and Fitness
• Mental Health Resilience
• Financial Wellbeing

ISWAN Social Interaction Webinar

The last V.Care webinar in 2026 covered Social Interaction, where we explored how ISWAN’s guidance on allyship and social interaction is being incorporated within our Positive Workplace Culture training. We were joined by Georgia Allen of ISWAN who shared updates on ISWAN’s latest projects. The session highlighted the importance of bringing teams together, especially over the festive period, to help prevent loneliness and isolation and strengthen a supportive working environment.

View the full webinar on Social Interaction in the link below.

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.

V.Care Voyage of the Month: Make it Better!

MAKE IT BETTER: The best Chief Engineer I have worked with.

Marine Superintendent Rodrigo Cintra from V.Ships Brazil shared a tale recently worth sharing with our seafarers.

Every morning at 10:00 AM, during the tea break in the Engine Control Room, our Chief Engineer did something different.

"Most Chiefs grab their coffee and retreat to the computer to check emails. Not him. He took his mug and sat on the bench, right next to me and the Oiler. One morning, he looked at the Oiler and asked: "I noticed the bilge pump running light came on twice in the last hour. Is the level rising fast?" The Oiler nodded. "Yes Chief. It’s filling up much faster than usual." The Chief put his coffee down. "Must be the Main Sea Water Pump seal. The auto-kick is hiding the leak, so we’re not getting an alarm yet. But it won’t hold. Come on, let’s isolate it."

He was right. We found the seal spraying water. The automation missed it, but the team didn't. Later, I asked him a question that had been bugging me: "Chief, why do you dig for these details during tea break? Why not just discuss it with the Second Engineer during the official morning meeting?" He told me: "The Second Engineer looks at the PMS. He sees what should be happening. The Oiler looks at the floor. He sees what is happening." He continued: "If I only speak to the Managers, I get the polished version. "If I sit here with the Watchkeepers, I get the raw truth."

That was my lesson in Leadership. The "Open Door Policy" is useless if the people with the real information are too intimidated to walk through it.

This text made Rodrigo remember his good days as 3rd engineer back in 2005 (picture). The million dollar question is: are we listening to "filtered" information or really working with real scenarios?

All tools are in our hands: VMS, ShipSure, mobile app for inspections etc.

Above all, a culture that drive us to go further and cross the line of "make it happen" - this culture encourages us to "make it better", and it is completely different.

At the end of the day, it is a personal choice to be part of this.

Just stop and think about your daily tasks: how can you make it better?

Bring Your Sea Experience Ashore - Your Next Step Starts Here!

Are you currently sailing with V. and considering a move ashore to join out support teams?

We’re inviting our own talented seafarers to apply for future shore-based career opportunities across our global offices.

Your knowledge of life at sea is invaluable and we believe it belongs at the heart of our shore-based operations.

Whether you're passionate about vessel management, crew support, safety compliance, or training, your next role might be waiting just ashore.

The Ship to Shore Programme is designed to support and encourage V. seafarers who are ready to transition into shore-based careers.

Your sea experience is your strength — let’s bring it ashore!

If you’re passionate about continuing your maritime journey from a different vantage point, one where your expertise helps manage fleets, support operations, or train future seafarers, we invite you to apply.

We’re continuously looking to match sea-going talent with onshore roles.

Submit your profile below, and we’ll reach out when the right opportunity comes along.

ShipMoney - Your Digital Payment Solution

Did You Know? You Get Free Transfers with ShipMoney

Each month, you get:

✔ 1 free wire transfer (up to $20,000)

✔ 2 free ATM withdrawals, anywhere in the world

That’s $0 in fees for sending money or taking cash out.

Use the ShipMoney app to schedule your transfers, or ask your crewing team for help.

Healthy Corner: Go Mindfully with Festive Treats

Festive treats are part of the season, but it is easy to move from balanced enjoyment to overdoing them.

These simple habits help you enjoy festive treats while staying energised and well throughout the season:

• Enjoy treats mindfully!

Try to eat festive treats in small portions and avoid having all at once.

• Avoid overconsumption!

Pair your sweet treat with fruit, nuts, or yogurt to make them more satisfying.

• Keep yourself hydrated!

Keep a water bottle nearby to remind yourself to sip regularly, as festive snacks can be saltier or sweeter than usual.

• Include tea or infusion water as a drink!

Choose warm drinks like teas or drinks infused with fruits or vegetables to increase your fluids and avoid snacking.

• Add more protein in your meals!

Include a source of protein such as eggs, fish, chicken, or beans to stay fuller for longer.

Do not forget to practise mindful eating your sweet treats this season with.

1. Take one bite for flavour. Notice the taste, texture, and sweetness before continuing.
2. Take a second bite to enjoy. Slow down and allow yourself to appreciate it fully.
3. Pause before the third bite. Ask yourself if you still want more or if the craving has already been satisfied.
4. Check in with your body. Notice whether you feel hungry, comfortably satisfied, or simply eating out of habit.
5. Choose what you truly need. Continue only if you are still enjoying it, stop if the desire has passed.