Day of the Seafarer 2026

At the end of June V. joined industry recognition for the extraordinary people at the heart of global trade — seafarers. Every day, they operate in challenging and often unpredictable environments, ensuring the world stays connected and commerce keeps moving.

The annual celebration led by the IMO had a theme of, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” to shine a light on the realities behind life at sea: the pressures, the isolation, and the heightened risks faced, especially in conflict‑affected regions. Much of seafarers’ work goes unseen, yet its impact is felt across the globe.

We stand with you not only on the Day of the Seafarer, but through continuous action and our various V.Care, operational, and HSSEQ initiatives.

One such initiative provided additional support in conjunction with Oceanic to provide additional packs of care products to help with the excessive heat for those vessels still in the Gulf region. 

While travel restrictions have now been removed within the area our Emergency Response team are constantly monitoring the situation. Right across V.Group, we remain committed to supporting you, our seafarers, by prioritising safety, wellbeing and mental health across our fleet, wherever you serve.


Shore Based Celebrations


Seafarers and their families attended a series of events at V.Ships offices to celebrate International Day of the Seafarer. Such days are great opportunities to bring people together and remind ourselves of the commitment and dedication of our seafarers across the globe, with some fun and games adding to the fun.

The Manila offices were particularly busy with the Voyage Loyalty teams hosting a series of games and giving away prizes. While in Mumbai the team shared high tea for all those attending their event.

Service Delivery Survey - Safety Snapshot

We are looking to gain a snapshot of your current experience of service delivery and safety protocols on your vessels. Your experiences and answers help our HSSEQ teams improve processes in the future.

Please take 5 minutes to complete this short survey below.

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Recognising Next Generation of Cadets

The Philippines has long been recognised as the crewing capital of the world, providing some of the most sought after seafarers, and for some that journey to sea is only just beginning at two key graduations over June, at MAPP and DMMA.


Congratulations to all those taking the next step and we a sure those colleagues awaiting you onboard will guide you through your next steps at sea. 


32ND COMMENCEMENT & RECOGINITION EXERCISE || DMMA COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES (June 27, 2026)


"Every ending is the beginning of something new."

Seventy-nine V. sponsored Cadets in achieving a significant milestone in their journey to becoming the Masters and Chief Engineers of V.

The ceremony was highlighted by our Marine HR Chief Operating Officer, Allan Falkenberg, who delivered a speech which emphasized the role that seafarers play in the maritime industry and the global economy.

"This industry is transforming in more ways than we can touch on today. The fuel systems you will work on in five years may not yet exist in their final form. The regulations you will need to know in ten years are still being written. The technologies you will rely on in twenty years are still being developed. Research involving the Maritime Just Transition Task Force found that somewhere between 300,000 and 800,000 seafarers globally will need to be trained on alternative fuels by 2030. That is an extraordinary challenge, but to all of you here today, I would say this: It is also an extraordinary opportunity for people who are willing to learn!"

"You will be the professionals who ensure that trade keeps moving in a world that is more complex, more demanding and more volatile than the one that came before. That is a serious responsibility but it is also an extraordinary privilege. So work hard, sail safely and look out for your shipmates.

Never stop learning and take pride in what you do for your families, your nation, and the world!"

 

ZEPHYREONS Class of 2026 Graduation Day @ Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific. 



Earlier in June the Cadets from MAAP also went through graduation with fourth class cadet Kimberley Endaya providing some inspiring words.

"Beneath the scorching sun of countless formations, within sleepless nights burdened by academic rigor, and through every trial that sought to test the limits of their spirit, they learned that greatness is not born in comfort, but in the storms courageously endured together. What once began as uncertain footsteps within the academy grounds has now transformed into a legacy carved by resilience and unwavering zeal."

A special shoutout to VShips' first ever MAAP Fleet Commander ENS Franz-Ajani Angulo who sailed with Costamare Fleet and will soon rejoin as Officer.

Thanks to all those cadets for making your V.Family proud!

V. Commercial Wins: June Update

V.Ships carried on the growth in Ship Management, with wins spanning tankers, containers, offshore, and LPG, and some impressive new client names joining the V.Ships family. From Copenhagen to Oslo, Glasgow to Piraeus, our commercial teams delivered across the board, due to the support of shore teams and of course our seafarers, ensuring we deliver successful for our clients. 

Ship Management wins

  • 1x Tanker | Metrostar – A Suezmax vessel now under management with Glasgow
  • 12x Tanker | Alba Tankers (incl. 2x Stockholm Chartering) – V.Ships secures a major fleet through the acquisition of Alba's technical management office, adding 12 vessels in one move. A testament to the group’s growing track record in delivering successful inorganic growth.
  • 2x Container | Costamare – Piraeus adds the *Neokastro* and *Leonidio* to our managed fleet
  • 2x LPG | Jadroplov – A new business win for Oslo.
  • 1x Offshore | Enco Resources – OSX 1 extended through to mid-2027, with our Asia Offshore team.
  • 1x Offshore | DEME – A new win for V.Ships Offshore Abu Dhabi, with an LOI signed on DP1 OSV *Karina*

Crew Management wins

  • 6x Bulk Carrier | Chartworld Shipping – Our Piraeus team has secured another six bulk carriers with long-standing client Chartworld Shipping Corporation
  • 1x MR Tanker | Apex Shipping & Energy – A new tanker win for the Piraeus team, with a manning agreement now under signature for the MV Volante, expanding our relationship with Apex Shipping and Energy.
  • 1x Tanker | Spring Marine Management – Piraeus continues to grow its work with Spring Marine Management, adding another vessel to the existing framework.
  • 1x Specialist Dredger | DEME – Our Offshore Abu Dhabi team signed a contract on 18 May for the THSD Antigoon, a specialist dredger operating under Indian flag.

A big thank you to all teams ashore and crews involved in demonstrating our effectiveness, your combined effort keeps our momentum strong across the group.

Meet the Safety Catch Winner for May 2026!

We are proud to recognize 3rd Officer, Arwin II Villarina of vessel Belafonte (Asia Cluster) as the May 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner!

Arwin’s vigilance and decisive action demonstrate how ownership and timely intervention can prevent serious harm. In recognition he will receive a certificate of appreciation, a personal commendation letter and a $200 GMT Travel Voucher.

Safety Observation – What Happened

During mooring operations, a crew member not involved in the task was observed entering a snap-back zone, exposing himself to a high-risk area.

3rd Officer Villarina immediately stepped in, stopped the operation, and ensured the individual was safely removed before work continued. No harm done because someone acted.

Why This Matters – Key Learning Points

  • Snap-back zones are high-risk areas during mooring operations, where stored energy in lines can be released violently and unpredictable.
  • Keeping unauthorized personnel out of operational areas is critical to safeguarding crew members.
  • Maintaining situational awareness protects lives, especially during dynamic operations like mooring.
  • Early intervention prevents harm - recognizing and acting on unsafe conditions is essential.
  • Proactive reporting strengthens our safety culture and keeps everyone safer.

Stop Work Authority in Action

Safety is not only about knowing the risks - it’s about acting when something doesn’t look right. Arwin demonstrated this by intervening early, taking control of the situation, and removing the exposure before it could escalate.

Why Safety Catch Matters

Each Safety Catch highlights the power of everyday decisions - intervening early, staying alert, and taking responsibility beyond your immediate task. These actions prevent harm and help build a stronger, safer operation and culture.

Looking Ahead …

All monthly winners will be considered for the Annual Safety Catch Award, recognising outstanding safety contributions across the organisation.

Let’s keep challenging ourselves to stay alert and intervene - because the right action at the right moment makes all the difference.

#StopWorkAuthority    #HaveYourSay

Ship to Shore Roles - Cadet Training Superintendent Pardeep Kumar

Cadet Training Superintendent Pardeep Kumar originally started his career as a cadet with V. before heading to sea. He has now returned to share his experiences with the next generation of seafarers with V.

Having originally trained in the AMET University in Chennai his return ashore has coincided with the opening of the V. Learning Academy, a bespoke facility in partnership with AMET to provide cadets with a maritime education that is IMO and STCW compliant.


Pardeep’s broad experience at sea within V. within the engine department since 2008, and his desire to spend more time with his growing family were key factors in taking on the role ashore.

“Now that I am ashore my current role is interesting and satisfactory in training cadets.  Some of the problems I witnessed at sea with cadets are helpful for me in understanding the cadets needs. It makes it easier now for me to train and advise the cadets having witnessed their ability and training needs while onboard.”

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

Are you currently sailing with V. and considering a move ashore?

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.

Register Interest

V.Care Wellbeing Webinar – Being Adaptive in an Ever-Changing World

The maritime industry is constantly evolving, with changing regulations, new technologies, operational demands, and unexpected challenges requiring both seafarers and shore-based staff to adapt quickly.

This V.Care Wellbeing Webinar will explore the importance of adaptability in today's maritime environment and provide practical strategies to help individuals thrive through change, uncertainty, and new ways of working.

What You'll Learn:

  • The differences between being agile, adaptable, and adaptive in a maritime context
  • How adaptability can support wellbeing, performance, and career development both at sea and ashore
  • The key traits and behaviours of highly adaptive maritime professionals when responding to change and operational challenges
  • Practical ways to strengthen your adaptive skills, including embracing change, managing uncertainty, responding effectively to new technologies and processes, and maintaining resilience during periods of transition

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 Webinar

Oceanic Healthy Corner: The Effects of Yoga on the Body (A Dietitian’s Perspective)

Yoga is an excellent complement to a healthy, well-balanced diet. While proper nutrition provides the body with the energy and nutrients it needs, yoga enhances physical function, supports mental wellbeing, and promotes health.

Regular yoga practice improves flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and posture. It also helps reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, which may decrease emotional eating and support healthier food choices. Managing stress is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight and improving long-term eating habits.

Yoga can also support digestive health by encouraging relaxation, which may improve gut function and reduce symptoms associated with stress-related digestive discomfort. In addition, mindful breathing and meditation encourage greater awareness of hunger and fullness cues, helping you develop a healthier relationship with food.

When combined with a nutritious diet, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity, yoga contributes to better cardiovascular health, improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and enhanced overall quality of life.

From a nutrition standpoint, yoga is not a substitute for a balanced diet but rather a valuable lifestyle practice that works alongside healthy eating to support physical and mental wellbeing.

Practical Tips:

  • Pair yoga with balanced nutrition!

After yoga, choose a snack or meal with protein and complex carbohydrates like yogurt with fresh/frozen fruit, eggs with wholegrain bread, or smoothie with nuts and oats (if available), to support energy and recovery.

  • Stay hydrated!

Drink water before and after yoga to support digestion, circulation, and muscle function.

  • Practice mindful eating!

Use the same awareness from yoga during meals. Eat slowly and pay attention to hunger and fullness.

  • Be consistent, not intense!

Even short daily yoga sessions can be beneficial when combined with healthy eating habits.

*If you are planning to start or modify a yoga practice, it is recommended that you consult a qualified yoga instructor, especially if you have any existing medical conditions or injuries. Personalized guidance can help you practice safely and effectively.