Safety Culture Survey 2025: Thank You for Sharing Your Voice

The 2025 Safety Culture Survey officially closed on 03^rd of October, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you who took the time to participate.

Your voice matters. Every response helps us better understand how safety is lived and experienced across V.—on board, on site, and in the office. This survey is a key part of how we continue to grow together and build a culture where safety is not just a priority, but a shared value.

What Happens Next?

The survey results are now being analyzed with the support of our partners at the Occupational Psychology Centre. These insights will help us identify both our strengths and the areas where we can improve.

In the coming months, we expect to receive preliminary findings, followed by a detailed set of recommendations by the end of the year. As in previous years, a full summary report will be shared in early 2026, outlining the key findings and planned initiatives we’ll take to support continued progress in strengthening our safety culture.

Your Feedback = Real Change

Thanks to your input in previous years, we’ve already introduced several impactful initiatives:

• Safety Observations App for easier reporting and tracking
• Percipio & Learning Library Expansion with comprehensive safety related training material and user generated learning content respectively
• Quarterly HSSEQ Excellence Forums open to all V. colleagues
• PPE Upgrades, including improved and branded coveralls
• Enhanced Safety Catch Programme with Group awards and recogntion
• Leadership Development Programmes via webinars, workshops, and F2F training
• Continuous Improvement Learning Forums to share best practices

These are just a few examples of how your voice drives meaningful change.

Your feedback is shaping the future of safety at V. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we make safety real.

Stay safe, stay engaged—and keep making your voice heard.

September Fleet Update: 7 wins for V.

Over September, V. celebrated another strong month of growth across our global fleet with seven awarded vessels, reflecting the continued trust of our clients and the dedication of our teams worldwide.

The wins include four Bulk Carriers, including two Newbuilds; an Ultramax Newbuild from Sugahara Kisen Co. Ltd, marking the start of a new partnership; and a Bulk Carrier from Belships ASA, further strengthening our Singapore team’s momentum. 

In Offshore V. retained PSV AM Prosperity under management by Astro Offshore - a standout retention for our offshore division. Feedback from the new ownership has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the professionalism and efficiency of the handover. Notably, ExxonMobil Nigeria, the charterer, commended the vessel’s excellent condition and consistent operational performance post-acquisition. 

Costamare Inc., awarded a new container vessel to the fleet, highlighting repeat business and the strong technical alignment between our teams. 

Chartworld Shipping Corporation awarded the Tanker, MR Newbuild Paros Star, deepening a trusted and enduring partnership. 

With seven vessels of five types highlights the ongoing trusted by our clients. Each commercial win represents teamwork, commitment, and confidence in our technical excellence and service delivery.

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

INSW Female Cadets Join Seaways Guayaquil

We are delighted to share that one of our groups of INSW female cadets has joined their first vessel as part of the Women at V. Education and Support (W@VES) initiative.

Seaways Guayaquil is one of two vessels in the INSW fleet that has been specially equipped to support mixed-gender crews, with features such as dedicated laundry and changing facilities, gender-specific PPE, female health and hygiene products, and enhanced cabin privacy measures.

Two deck cadets, Erica Rafael and Julaica Sarrosa, and two engine cadets, Christine Alinsub and Andrea Sereno, joined the vessel in Quintero, Chile, to begin their initial six months of sea-time training. They’ll be sailing alongside our female Chief Officer, Venus Prado, who will offer invaluable mentorship and support throughout their journey.

During their time onboard, the cadets and crew will share feedback on these initiatives to help us refine best practices and continue building a safer, more inclusive environment across our fleets. 

Damaged Twist Locks Identified by Safety Catch Winner

We are happy to announce that 2^nd Officer Xulei Zhang of m/v TS LIANYUNGANG (China Cluster) is our September 2025 V.Group Safety Catch Award winner! 

Xulei will receive a certificate of appreciation, a personal commendation letter and a $200 GMT Travel Voucher.

What happened?

During routine operations, Xulei observed a rating placing damaged twist locks into the box designated for non-damaged equipment. Recognising the risk, he immediately intervened, stopped this Unsafe Act and advised the rating to separate the damaged twist locks to prevent its use in the future.

Twist locks are essential pieces of equipment used to securely connect and lock shipping containers to the ship and to each other, providing stability and preventing movement especially in rough seas. Using defective equipment poses serious safety risks, including container movement, loss, or injury. Xulei’s timely action and application of the Stop Work Authority demonstrate strong situational leadership and a commitment to safe operations.

Reminder: Stop Work Authority

Every V. colleague has the right and responsibility to exercise the Stop Work Authority if they believe an activity is unsafe. And remember - work may only resume once all safety concerns have been addressed and cleared with the agreement of all involved parties.

Let’s Keep Building Our Safety Culture

Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Let’s continue striving for safety excellence and motivate each other to contribute to safety at V. – by encouraging raising of safety observations, supporting the Safety Catch programme and recognizing and celebrating proactive safety leadership.

#haveyoursay

Ocean Rowers Visit Glasgow Offices to Give Thanks

Following the record-breaking Pacific Row, the MacLean Brothers took time to visit the Glasgow offices of V. and share their experiences of their nonstop voyage which they completed in 139 days.

V. colleagues received an insightful presentation on their crossing and their motivations to raise funds to provide clean water for over 40,000 people in Madagascar.

As fellow seafarers their experiences, from building a custom boat, to provisioning for the voyage and readying themselves for the challenge bore many similarities with our own operations. The mental and physical preparations enabled them to overcome storms, boat breakages, and finally succeed in their challenge, with some great insights.

Food was for them the currency of morale as they required around 9000 calories per day to maintain their course under oars. The helped themselves by helping others, looking out for each other, particularly when things were rough, with seasickness and heavy seas resulting in the youngest brother falling overboard at one point. 

Fuel efficiencies were no different as they cleaned the hull each day by getting in the water and scrubbing the hull. They had only one set of swimming goggles that they used for shark watch! 

They too shared their utmost respect for our seafarers, spending months at sea. Their constant personal care, both physically and mentally, were essential to meet the challenge, with the constant reminder of those they are seeking to help ashore, as many of our own seafarers provided for loved ones at home. 

The brothers then spent time touring the offices and answering many questions about their incredible journey. Equally they shared their interest in our work of managing vessels and crews around the globe, with many similarities albeit at a difference scale!

The trio provided plenty of inspiration as they highlighted their superpowers included surrounding themselves with good people, and knowing the worse it was for them, the better it was for raising funds for their cause.

Look out for their next adventure and find out more about their challenge below:

Seafarers join in the Chennai Cricket Tournament

The Chennai Premier League gained a new dimension with the participation of seafarers!

We had a team of 10 seafarers join the tournament, bringing their unique energy to the field. They played with Shared Resource Pool in the first match and V Warriors in the second.

What stood out was their exceptional team spirit and collaboration with office colleagues and the young seafarers displayed remarkable enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Sumeet Jaisinghani, the MD in Chennai noted. “Their passion for the game was infectious, and it was wonderful to see them participate with such gusto. Many have already secured their spots for next year's tournament, promising more exciting performances!”

V.Care Wellbeing Webinar - Avoiding Burnout: Self-Assessment Methods and Strategies for Self-Care

In this month’s V.Care wellbeing webinar, ComPsych psychologist Alexandra Reyes provided training on avoiding burnout.  Burnout in the workplace is closely linked to causing stress and anxiety in a person.

The session explored the components of burnout, creating reflection opportunities for participants to assess their burnout levels, and provided helpful options for pro-active self-care.

Attended reflected on their “why” or their inner motivation for doing the work they are doing and how to better connect their why to their everyday work to become happier and healthier versions of themselves. 

The recording of the session can be found 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: What is Cabotage?

Each month, we aim to share an article that provides a broader perspective on your careers at sea.

For this edition recent research highlighted the rise of "Cabotage" globally.  Cabotage is the restriction of the operation of sea, air, or other transport services within or into a particular country to that country's own transport services.

Cabotage has spread to 105 States around the world and today has heightened and growing geopolitical significance, says the Seafarers Rights Institute (SRI).

This is just one of the findings in the second edition of Cabotage Laws of the World, published by SRI, which also found that cabotage now exists along the coastlines of approximately 85% of the world and extends into more offshore zones.

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.

From Ship to Shore: V. Dual Career Path Development

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.

Healthy Corner: Creative Ideas to Use Limited Fresh Produce

Below are some ideas to make the most out of limited fresh produce on board:

• Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are an excellent way to use up vegetables. Chop up any remaining vegetables, add some herbs or spices and a source of protein (beans, canned fish, etc.). Soups can be made in large batches and last for days.

• Smoothies & Juices

Fruits nearing their end of life can be blended into smoothies, which are a great way to pack in nutrients and enjoy a refreshing drink.

• Vegetable Stir-Fries

Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to use vegetables. Combine them with protein (canned fish, eggs, etc.) and a simple homemade sauce made from some low salt soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

• Canned Fruit Desserts

Use fruits that are nearing spoilage for simple desserts. For instance, stewed apples or pears can be served with a sprinkle of cinnamon if available or added to porridge for breakfast.

Using Frozen, Dried, or Canned Minimally Processed Foods

You can rely on frozen, dried, and canned foods when fresh produce is limited. These items are easy to store and are just as nutritious as fresh foods when prepared properly.

• Frozen Vegetables & Fruits

As already mentioned, frozen vegetables are a great substitute for fresh produce. Frozen fruits can be used for smoothies, porridge, or desserts. They are a healthy and convenient way to ensure that you have access to essential nutrients while on board.

• Canned Food Items

Canned items such as beans, tomatoes, and tuna can be used in a variety of meals. Beans can be used in soups, stews, or salads, while canned tuan makes a quick and nutritious salad or sandwich.

• Dried Grains & Legumes

Dried grains such as rice are versatile and have a long shelf life. Dried legumes such as lentils or chickpeas can be easily cooked into soups, stews, or salads. They are excellent source of fiber, protein, and they require minimal preparation.

• Nuts & Seeds

Dried nuts and seeds if available are a great source of healthy fats and can be used as snacks or incorporated into meals. They are easy to store, provide energy, and can be added to salads, porridge, or baked goods.