Welcome May 2025

G’day Seafarers,

The crewing operations across V. reaches many parts of the world. In the last week alone I have travelled around Latvia, Turkey, Greece, and Georgia, supporting colleagues in their operations and meeting crew at all points in their careers.

It was very interesting for me to recently meet with our cadets in Maritime Academies of Riga and Batumi, while supporting the institutions and the people behind our cadet programmes is vitally important for the future of our seafaring community.

In Istanbul I had great opportunity to speak with our officers during one of our Officers Conference and also invited a number of Georgian officers for meeting in our new Crew Management Centre of Tbilisi.

I always appreciate the opportunities to bring shore teams and crew together to gain valuable updates and learn new skills to help in operations. These are valuable moments, and I thank all those who have made the effort to attend.

We recently launched our new single recruitment platform to modernise and elevate the way we manage the many applicants we receive each year at V.  Seafarers like you are vital in keeping our business and industry moving every day so making the process more efficient, transparent, and unified is our goal.

Equally keeping you safe in your various roles is vital and the ongoing Safety Catch campaign recognises the contributions you make in keeping our community at sea safe. There are unfortunately occasions where incidents occur and we must stop, reflect, and importantly learn from such events so they never happen again.

Safe sailing,

MWZ

Marcin Wolasiewicz 

(Global Director for Crewing Operations)

Who Is Marcin Wolasiewicz & What Is His Role As The Global Director for Crewing Operations?

Marcin Wolasiewicz is the Global Director for Crewing Operations and as part of our Who’s Who of Marine HR he shares some insights into his role at V.

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

I started with V. as Head of Crewing for Asian region, thereafter I led our services in the West, and now am currently responsible globally for all our crewing operations.

My focus is to ensure that all our global teams, including our contracted third parties, deliver first class services for our businesses, and always share professional respect and personal engagement with our main customers, our seafarers.

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

My first paid job in my teens was unloading coal from railway carriers. It was a seasonal job that I did over the summertime to get some money. I learnt that a very hard and difficult labour job would not necessarily make you rich, but I learnt to respect other hard-working people.

After that I took a cadetship onboard tanker vessels, and moved up the ratings for a few years before gaining my first shore job. This was to do everything in a small office of ShipOwner. I supported literally all the departments, procurement, safety and quality, technical, operations, and obviously crewing.

That was a great experience, coming from sea I was exposed and learned all the disciplines of ship management, I had fantastic coach and mentor, with whom I remain good friends with till today.

3. What's the one thing that inspired you to join this company?

That is an easy question for me as I often share my view with colleagues. V. is a great, truly recognised, global company with endless professional development opportunities for talented people.

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

To manage global operations and global teams you cannot name just one skill.

All the skills required for the job developed gradually during my experiences working onboard and ashore with ship owning, ship management, leading multinational remote teams, via a diverse education with a variety of training courses, and by meeting professional colleagues and having inspiring mentors. Surely, I continue to develop my skills and competencies every day!

Currently, I am working to improve on the four leadership principles we have adopted in V.: a) Customer Focus, b) Accountability, c) Decisiveness, and d) Simplicity.

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

Modern seafaring has evolved and modernised, offering a variety of professional development paths for mariners.

For colleagues who already sail with us, my advice is to be open and take advantage of the widespread opportunities we have within V. With some many industry sectors, ship types and trade areas available I encourage our seafarers to explore the options available.

Irrespective of which path you follow, always live our values, be proud of your achievements, and always have focus on the next career targets.

Take every opportunity to learn, with formal training and on the job from your fellow mates onboard.

Marine HR Structural Changes

We have been reviewing the structure of our Marine HR teams to simplify our processes. As seafarers your feedback has helped identify this need to modify several areas to improve aspects of our planning, career development, mobilisation, and overall ensure you are fully supported by our Marine HR teams.

These changes will ensure you will have clearer lines of communication from our offices whilst you are at sea or at home. It will also enable marine HR to continue to work closely with our Fleet Managers and the wider fleet cell to deliver exceptional customer service to our clients. 

We will provide more in-depth information on these changes as the restructure is implemented and ensure you are aware of how it will support your experience as a seafarer with V.

We encourage you to continue to provide feedback via our surveys and debriefs so together we can continue to be the committed partner of progress for everything at sea.

V.Ships Continues Commercial Momentum in April!

V.Ships continued its strong commercial momentum in April, adding 12 vessel wins including one retention across Leisure, Offshore, Tankers, Containers, LPG, and Bulk Carriers. These reflect both new client acquisitions and the ongoing trust of our long-term partners alongside the efforts in service deliver by our seafarers.

Leisure: Contract signed with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for their latest newbuild, ILMA, reinforcing our role as their trusted partner in managing ultra-luxury cruise ships.

Offshore: Retained the vessel Pinnacle (ex-TAG-10) from AES, demonstrating continued confidence in our offshore operations.

Tankers: Two more vessels joined from NGM Energy, strengthening our ITM Dubai partnership.

Containers: V. Ships Shanghai secured two vessels from Interasia Lines, and successfully retained vessel Alejandrina under a new client, Fujian Lida

Bulk: Wisdom Marine awarded V.Ships Shanghai two Handy newbuilds, expanding our dry cargo portfolio.

LPG: V. Ships Limassol secured three LPG vessels with Transgas International, further strengthening our presence in the gas sector.

These results demonstrate global confidence in our capabilities. Thank you to all teams involved—your dedication makes this success possible and as always. We win together!

V. Supports MacLean Brothers as they Row the Pacific

Would you row 9,000 miles across the Pacific? 

The Maclean brothers, Jamie, Lachlan and Ewan, are doing just that, and V. is proud to sponsor them on this gruelling journey. 

The brothers, who set three world records rowing across the Atlantic in January 2020, are gearing up for a mammoth row, non-stop and unsupported, across the world’s largest ocean, due to leave in a couple of weeks’ time.

The Edinburgh trio are taking on the Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row, an ambitious journey from Lima, Peru, to Sydney, Australia, where they aim to set the record for the fastest human-powered crossing of the full Pacific Ocean. Covering 14,000 km, the expedition is expected to take around four months.

Their boat, which they helped to build alongside fellow ocean rower Mark Slatts, is believed to be the “lightest and strongest ocean rowing boat ever made” at just 280kg unladen. 

Along the way, they will battle storms, massive waves, technical challenges, sleep deprivation and sheer exhaustion – all in a bid to raise over £1 million for clean water projects, transforming the lives of tens of thousands of people in Madagascar through their charity, The Maclean Foundation, which they founded last year with their father, Charlie.

Speaking as he prepared to get on a 5.45am flight from Edinburgh Airport in mid-March, heading for Lima, Peru, where they’ve been spending time doing last minute preparations before departing from Yacht Club Peruano, youngest brother Lachlan said: “It still doesn’t feel quite real that we’re finally on our way to Peru to begin this challenge. 

“We know this row will push us to our absolute limits, but we’re doing it for something far bigger than ourselves. Every mile we row brings us closer to our goal of raising £1 million to provide clean water to communities who desperately need it. That’s what will keep us going through the storms, exhaustion, and isolation.

“Once we leave Lima, the next time we touch dry land, we’ll be in Sydney, so we’re going to enjoy the next couple of weeks in Peru.”

We will be following their journey and keeping you up to date with progress but if you’d like to follow them yourself, visit www.themacleanbrothers.com or follow their Instagram @themacleanbrothers.

Safety Stand Down

In May 2025 a fitter onboard one of our bulk carriers was carrying out hot work when a spark ignited engulfing him in a flash fire.  He suffered 3^rd degree burns to 85% of his body. He remains in a critical condition and underwent skin graft surgery.

Key Points to Take Away

Control of Work

• Job Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment – completed before starting
• Permit to Work – is in place and signed off before starting
• Tool-box Talk – raise any questions/concerns if you are in any doubt
• Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) – all systems to be LOTO before started
• PPE – make sure that everyone is wearing the correct PPE before starting
• Rules – ensure all work is conducted in accordance with the V.Rules.

Stop Work Authority – if the above points have not been completed then STOP WORK AUTHORITY must be implemented immediately.

DPA/Speak Up – if anyone expects work to be completed in contradiction to the Stop Work Authority, then report this to the DPA or Speak Up program.

Full video on the learning can be accessed here: - https://vimeo.com/1083786040/b272241ef7 

In addition, such incidents remind us of the importance of the campaigns like the Safety Catch of the month, which actively highlights how you prevent incidents and protect our fellow seafarers on a regular basis through implementation of the Stop Work Authority and regular Safety Observations.

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

We are proud to announce that 2nd Engineer Kamleshkumar Dipakbhai Tandel of GULF SUNRISE (N. Europe Cluster) has been selected as the April 2025 Group Safety Catch of the Month Winner! 

Kamleshkumar demonstrated outstanding safety vigilance by identifying an unsafe act—a crew member using a defective lifting sling. He immediately intervened, halting the operation until the faulty equipment was replaced with a certified sling. His proactive response exemplifies situational leadership and a strong commitment to our safety culture: 
"If you see it, you own it." 

⚠️Using defective equipment is strictly prohibited and can result in serious incidents or injuries. No task is so urgent that justifies breaching or compromising safety. Always stop the job if you observe such or other unsafe acts / conditions. 

📺  Watch Lessons Learnt video on this safety observation, and visit the Learning Library for other videos on this series and more safety-related content. Join the Community and don’t miss out on new updates. 

👏 This is also worthy to mention that with this win, N. Europe Cluster secures their 1^st V.Group Safety Catch award under this enhanced programme – we congratulate all the team! 

All V. colleagues have the authority – and responsibility – to raise a safety observation. Whether it is highlighting best practises or share an example of intervening and stopping the job during an Unsafe Act or Unsafe Condition, your input matters.  

Every non-anonymously raised entry can become safety catch, winning criteria remain same: 

• V.(Crew) Connect App utilisation 

• Stop the Job policy implementation (where relevant) 

Let’s continue to support one another in building a safer workplace. Please support your teams in raising safety observations and participating in the Safety Catch of the Month Programme – let’s share experience and learn from each other because safety is everyone’s responsibility.  

Stay Safe! 

V. VP – April 2025 Update

Our overall Group V.VP score has reached a great score of 2.21 in April. This represents a 0.91% increase from previous month and was driven by improvements across 11 metrics – a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams.

We have significantly outperformed the same month in previous years, showcasing consistent growth and progress year on year. Our April scores of 1.66 in 2023 and 1.79 in 2024 pale in comparison to this year's success. Well done!

Here are our V.VP Hall of Fame honourees for April!

• Top Performing Cluster: Well done to our colleagues in China, who lead the way with an exceptional score of 2.99.
• Outstanding Office: Shanghai Dev. who shines brightly with an incredible score of 3.16.
• Leading Fleets: Congratulations to Shanghai Fleet 1-with a score of 3.45, and ITM Greece Fleet 1-with a score of 3.34, for their outstanding performance this month.
• Exceptional Vessel: A special welcome back and congratulations to the CSL Metis from the Boston Office for achieving a stellar score of 3.92

For this month we would like to share Timeliness of Unwanted Events Metric.

We want to emphasise the critical importance of reporting all incidents, including injuries and near misses, promptly. Timely reporting ensures that we can address issues quickly and improve safety and operational efficiency for everyone on board.

Through our V.VP program, we monitor this metric, which measures the average reporting lag in days. This is calculated by the time difference between when an event is recorded in ShipSure and the actual date the event occurred. Unfortunately, since last August, our score has fallen below 2.00. (out of a max. of 4.00)

We need your help to improve this metric. Your timely reporting of all incidents is crucial in achieving better scores and enhancing our overall safety standards. We are optimistic that with your support, we'll soon see significant improvements, and I look forward to sharing our progress in the coming months.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

Seafarer Conferences Well Underway

Over 20 Seafarer Conferences take place globally each year V. and we highly value the time spent developing our seafarers to be equipped to be the best crews and deliver exceptional results for our fleets.

These impactful in-person events bring together deck and engine officers, alongside shore teams to participate in technical workshops, team building, leadership development, and important updates from across the industry and V.

Such face-to-face events create a platform for intense interaction and transparent dialogue on various topics which helps us build trust, better ship and shore communication, and shared learning to improve our operations.

If you have not been to a conference before then we encourage you to reach out to your Crew Management Partner or Crewing office to get involved.

Please view our recent ITM Conference at the link below. 

e-Learning

Did you know that across Leisure, Cargo and Offshore fleets a total of 561k e-learning courses were completed in 2024?

Thank you to all of you who have continued to learn and develop their skills and knowledge with V. We aim to open a world of opportunities for your careers with V.  and support your learning journey in whatever way practical. 

V.CARE: Wellbeing Webinar – Ship to Shore Opportunities

Ready to drop anchor and step into a rewarding shore-based career?

We hosted a V.Care webinar this month introducing our new Ship to Shore Programme, designed specifically for senior and junior officers looking to take the next step in their maritime careers to work ashore at V.

Details were provided on the comprehensive training and support available to assist you on your new journey ashore. Hear first-hand from our guest speaker, Capt. Madhan who successfully transitioned to a senior shore-based role, as he shares insights, challenges, and tips from his own journey.

With over 50 office locations globally and around 2700 employees running operations ashore V. aims to support your career and build upon your experiences at sea with opportunities ashore.

Catch up on the full webinar below while for current roles visit our website:

https://vgrouplimited.com/join-our-group/onshore-roles/

ShipMoney - Your Digital Payment Solution

Did You Know? Your ShipMoney Account is Protected

Your ShipMoney account is held in a U.S. bank and is protected by FDIC insurance, just like accounts in the United States. This means your money is covered up to $250,000, even if something happens to the bank.

Your card also includes VISA protection. If your card is lost, stolen, or misused, and someone makes a payment without your permission, you can dispute the charge. If fraud is confirmed, you will not be responsible for the transaction.

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

Healthy Corner - Healthy Heart

Reducing Heart Disease Risk with Small Daily Changes

Even small, consistent changes in daily habits can significantly influence long-term cardiovascular health

Daily Habits for Better Heart Health

Incorporating a few heart-friendly habits into your daily routine can significantly support cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing, even while at sea:

• Season food with herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar instead of salt.
• Limit smoked, pickled, or instant meals.
• Eat well-balanced meals with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less processed food.
• Avoid salty snacks and check food labels when possible.
• Drink 8-10 glass of water daily, and more under hot conditions.
• Reduce sugary or high-caffeine beverages.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Aim for 7–9 hours of rest (slip into shorter naps if needed) to help your heart recover, whenever possible.
• Take short breaks to relax whenever possible.

Heart-Healthy Minutes

Engaging in regular physical activity onboard, even in short bursts known as “Heart-Healthy Minutes,” is a simple yet effective way to support cardiovascular health, boost energy levels, and reduce stress while at sea.

• Bodyweight exercises such as squats, push-ups, or planks require minimal space and no equipment.
• Walking laps on deck or climbing stairs provides cardiovascular benefits.
• Brief stretching or mobility sessions during watch transitions can reduce muscle stiffness and enhance circulation.

Remember! Making lasting changes is easier with clear goals and a plan to follow.

Simple Tips to Stay Motivated Over Long Periods

To stay motivated over long periods, especially when facing challenges, implementing SMART goals is an effective strategy. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, which makes it easier to track progress and stay focused.

Here are some examples of how SMART goals can support long-term heart health:

• Reduce salt intake to <2,300 mg per day over the next four weeks.
• Replace table salt with herbs during cooking for the next month.
• Avoid processed foods for the next 30 days to reduce sodium intake.
• Ask your Chief Cook to avoid adding bouillon cubes or stocks in cooking for the next month.
• Engage in physical activity for 10 minutes daily or whenever possible.
• Replace one processed meal per day with a freshly prepared option.
• Cut down sugary beverages by replacing one sugary drink with water or a low-calorie alternative daily over the next month.

Even small, consistent changes in daily habits can significantly influence long-term cardiovascular health

Daily Habits for Better Heart Health

Incorporating a few heart-friendly habits into your daily routine can significantly support cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing, even while at sea:

• Season food with herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar instead of salt.
• Limit smoked, pickled, or instant meals.
• Eat well-balanced meals with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less processed food.
• Avoid salty snacks and check food labels when possible.
• Drink 8-10 glass of water daily, and more under hot conditions.
• Reduce sugary or high-caffeine beverages.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Aim for 7–9 hours of rest (slip into shorter naps if needed) to help your heart recover, whenever possible.
• Take short breaks to relax whenever possible.