V.Ships Crew Conferences 2026

The V.Ships Crew Conferences schedule come to a close in November, with the Learning and Development team delivering 15 Officer Conferences, seven for regional clusters and eight for specific client conferences over 2026. 

Over 800 officers from across V.Ships attend these in-person sessions at eight locations globally over the year, enabling alignment and understanding between shore teams and crews onboard.

The theme for this year centered around ONE TEAM with key topics including:

  • Leadership & Communication Development
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Customer Perspective and Stakeholder Expectations/Updates
  • People Development - Ship to Shore Program
  • Industry, Technology and Innovation
  • Preparing for Ship Inspections

Bringing seafarers and shore teams together to share experiences is central to the conferences, enabling close working relationships and understanding over operational challenges.

Two recent conferences for specific clients took place over October, enabling another layer of connection to align with the client culture and needs. 

International Seaways held their second conference of 2026 in Manila during October. Marine Manager Fikret Ekdi shared his reflections, which were deeply rooted in the people behind the success.

At the core of our success. Together, we win.

"A crew conference is much more than an opportunity to discuss operations, review case studies and share experience. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of something fundamental: behind every successful vessel, there are people - and our people are at the core of everything we do."

"This year, we put crew wellbeing and welfare at the heart of our conference, with one clear message: You are not just part of the team. You are the reason we succeed."

"We wanted every seafarer to feel individually recognised, heard and genuinely valued - not just as part of a crew, but as a person with their own story, character, ambitions and contribution to our shared success. Their shared photographs, personal messages, mottos and favourite quotes took centre stage on the screen, bringing their personalities and voices into the room and creating moments of connection, recognition and pride."

"Our colleagues at sea may not have been physically in the room, but through their stories, smiles and messages, they were very much part of it. Equally important, we brought our shore-based colleagues from different parts of the world onto the screen, making visible the wider organisation that stands behind every vessel and every seafarer."

We are one team, across ships and shore, across time zones and oceans, united by a shared purpose.

Our people are at the core of our success.

We support each other. We grow together. We win together. ⚓

The International Seaway conference also marked a special milestone: their 20th seminar since the beginning of our partnership. Twenty seminars represent much more than a number; they reflect years of collaboration, shared learning, mutual trust and a common commitment to continuous improvement.

CSL Crew Conference in Poland

Another longstanding partnership with CSL hosted their crew conference in Poland during October. Seafarers, client representatives and colleagues attended the 3 day event near our Gydnia offices.

Again, the event provided a great opportunity to come together, strengthen relationships, exchange experiences, and openly discuss important topics related to our fleet, operations, safety, and crew development.

Beyond the productive sessions and workshops, the Conference was also a wonderful occasion to recognise the commitment and contribution of our seafarers and to enjoy some valuable time together ashore.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to growing the CSL community, centred around shared goals and strong working relationships between crew, shore and owners.


Planning is already well underway for the 2027 Crew Conference programme as it builds upon the experiences and feedback from all those involved. Look out for your chance to get involved.

V. Commercial Wins: September Update

Our commercial colleagues in Ship Management and Crew Management at V.Ships have continued to push for growth by strengthening existing partnerships and gaining new ones during September. 


Ship Management Wins
• 1x Tanker | Chartworld – Chartworld renews its trust in the Limassol team, keeping the PALMA under V.Ships management.
• 4x Tankers | Vitol – A major new customer for the Singapore office: Vitol, one of the world's largest independent energy traders, handing V.Ships four tankers to manage.
• 2x Bulk Carriers | Canea Shipping – Canea Shipping becomes the first new Piraeus customers this month, bringing in two bulk carriers.
• 2x MPP | Interunity – Interunity builds on an already successful relationship, adding two more vessels to our management.
• 1x Offshore Vessel | Lianson Fleet Group – Malaysia's fast-growing Lianson Fleet Group joins the Asia Offshore team as a new customer, with the SFE HERCULES.
• 1x LPG Vessel | Adenac – New customer Adenac, an Athens-based LPG specialist growing its fleet this year, entrusts the GAS HELENA to the Limassol team.


Crew Management Wins
6x Tankers | Apex Shipping and Energy – Apex keeps coming back to utilise our crew management services, adding two more tankers: INVICTUS and SPITFIRE alongside 4x New builds forecasted to join in 2027.


A big thank you to all teams and crews involved. Your continued effort keeps our momentum strong.

Voyage Loyalty - Member Benefit Partners

Voyage Loyalty members within every tier can continue to enjoy exclusive privileges and special offers from our valued partners, providing added value across automotive, business, travel, lifestyle, and property investments.

An increasing range of exclusive partner discounts including BYD, Victorinox, Luggage Master, Chinooks, Torre Lorenzo and Prime Plus, with new benefits continuing to roll out.

Two new partners include Go Tyme in the Philippines and MyNewCar in India. Go Tyme brings reliable banking and salary loan offers so you can manage your money and support your financial wellness. While in India MyNewCar offers exclusive savings on vehicle purchases, insurance, and maintenance services as a Voyage Loyalty member. 

The Breaker White Tier has initially enabled all seafarers from the Philippines to join Voyage Loyalty and benefit from the partner discounts, while all Indian seafarers will be able to join by the end of the year.

Don't miss out—join Voyage Loyalty today and start earning rewards, accessing exclusive offers, and becoming part of a growing community designed for seafarers.

Find Out More

Celebrating the September 2026 Safety Catch Winner!

We are delighted to recognise Able Seaman, Keval Suresh Shinde of vessel Vasco Da Gama (Leisure Cluster) as the September 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner!  

Keval’s Safety Catch highlights how staying alert, exercising sound judgement, and taking proactive action to address concerns can make a meaningful difference in preventing incidents and keeping everyone safe. 

Safety Observation – What Happened 

Emergency exit sign was found incorrectly installed opposite to its designated position on Deck 10, Starboard side, near cabin 10071. The incorrect positioning of the sign could have caused confusion or delayed identification of the correct emergency escape route during an emergency evacuation. 

The incorrect positioning of the emergency exit sign was identified and reported immediately.  

The electrician on duty was contacted, and the emergency exit sign was replaced and installed in the correct designated position. The area was subsequently checked to confirm that the sign was correctly positioned and clearly visible. 

Why This Matters – Key Learning Points

This Safety Catch highlights several behaviours that every one of us can apply in our daily work:

Emergency exit signs must be correctly positioned to clearly indicate the designated escape route

Regular inspections help identify and rectify signage deficiencies before an emergency occurs

Clear and accurate signage is essential for ensuring a safe and timely evacuation during emergencies

Why Safety Catch Matters

Safety Catch recognises individuals who proactively identify hazards, challenge unsafe conditions, and take timely action to prevent incidents before they occur. It promotes a strong safety culture by encouraging everyone to remain vigilant, take ownership of safety, and share valuable lessons that can help prevent similar incidents across vessels and offices.

By celebrating these positive interventions, we reinforce the importance of speaking up, making informed decisions, and looking out for one another. 

Every observation and proactive action contributes to a safer working environment and strengthens our collective commitment to continuous safety improvement.

Congratulations to Keval Suresh Shinde, who will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, a Letter of Commendation, and a $200 GMT Travel Voucher, and will now be considered for the 2026 Annual Safety Catch Award

Thank you to everyone who continues to make safety a personal responsibility every day.

See it. Question it. Act on it.

V.Care Wellbeing Webinar: Coping With Uncertain Times

Experiencing uncertain times or a traumatic event can have a lasting impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing. In the maritime industry, both seafarers and shore-based colleagues may face challenging situations, from onboard emergencies and accidents to unexpected personal or professional crises.

This V.Care Wellbeing Webinar will explore how individuals respond to uncertain times and provide practical strategies to support recovery, build resilience, and maintain wellbeing during difficult times.

What You'll Learn:
• Understand common emotional, physical, and psychological responses to traumatic events
• Recognise how traumatic experiences can affect wellbeing, relationships, and performance at sea and ashore
• Explore practical coping strategies to manage stress, difficult emotions, and uncertainty following a traumatic experience
• Learn how to support colleagues who may be struggling and recognise when additional professional support may be needed
• Discover ways to build resilience and support long-term emotional recovery following challenging experiences

Link below to watch the latest Webinar 👇

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.

Watch Webinar

Oceanic Healthy Corner: How Healthy Eating Habits Supports Mental Wellbeing

Mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and cope with daily challenges. Good mental health helps us manage stress, maintain positive relationships, stay focused, and perform effectively at work. 

Nutrition also plays a key role in supporting mental wellbeing. What we eat can support brain function and may influence mood and emotional health. While no single food or diet can prevent mental health difficulties, healthy and balanced eating habits can contribute to better mental wellbeing. 

Here are some small healthy eating habits you can start today to support your mental health:

Choose more whole foods!

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and other minimally processed foods has been associated with a lower risk of depression. 

Limit highly processed foods!

Foods that are highly processed or  high in refined sugars may promote inflammation and have been linked to poorer brain function and worsening symptoms of mood disorders. 

Support your gut health!

The gut and brain are closely connected. Healthy gut bacteria help regulate inflammation, support nutrient absorption, and influence the production of chemicals involved in mood regulation. 

Pay attention to how food makes you feel!

Different foods can affect people in different ways. Notice how your eating habits relate to your mood, focus, and wellbeing, without judging yourself or labelling foods as good or bad. 

Be mindful of caffeine!

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, brown soft drinks and chocolate contain caffeine, a stimulant that increases nervous system activity. For some people, excessive caffeine can contribute to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and sleep difficulties. Consider moderating your intake, especially later in the day.