Wilhelmsen Ship Management announced major expansion plans for India

Wilhelmsen Ship Management announced
major expansion plans for India

News Summary:

• From modest beginnings, Wilhelmsen now employs around 3000 Indian seafarers, constituting nearly 30% of its total global seafarers’ pool. It also has 120 shore-based employees in India. 
• The company aims to increase Indian seafarer numbers by 15% next year and boost shore-based employees by 25%, driven by fleet expansion and the introduction of additional functions in India.
• Outlook on maritime decarbonization and initiatives for meeting the shipping industry’s net zero emission vision. 
• Wilhelmsen’s International Maritime Training Centre (IMTC) marks its Silver Jubilee, playing a pivotal role in training Indian seafarers for ships powered by new technology. IMTC is transitioning to become a global provider of quality training content to all seafarers in Wilhelmsen through e-learning platform and virtual reality hubs.  

Mumbai, 23 November 2023 (: Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a global leader in third-party ship management is proud to announce its ambitious growth plans for India, a testament to its enduring commitment to the region dating back to 1975. From its modest beginnings, Wilhelmsen has grown to employ over 3000 active Indian seafarers, representing nearly 30% of its total seafarers’ pool and 120 shore-based employees. 

Wilhelmsen is set to further grow the Indian seafarer headcount by an additional 15% and shore-based employees by another 25% by the end of next year. This strategic expansion is fueled by the growth of its fleet and the introduction of additional functions in India, reaffirming India’s position as a priority for the company. 

The key functions performed from the India office include Marine Personnel, Maritime Training, Global Procurement, GSHEQ – Ship Security, Ship Inspection, Vessel Accounting Services and Planned Maintenance Systems. 

“India is an important market for us producing some of our finest seafarers. The nation’s education standards produce competent seafarers that have contributed to our success in the gas tanker and car carrier segments. We aim to increase our headcount and establish India as a strategic hub to support our global operations and growth plans.” said Carl Schou, CEO & President, Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

Celebrating its Silver Jubilee, Wilhelmsen’s International Maritime Training Centre (IMTC) in Mumbai plays a crucial role in training Indian seafarers for the challenges of operating technologically advanced ships. With over 81,000 participants and 6,900 trade tests conducted, IMTC offers a variety of internationally certified courses, including DGS-approved courses. Today, IMTC launches it’s first interactive virtual reality training hub that aims to provide meaningful learning experiences that combines emotion and technology. This concept will be driven from India and will be replicated to all manning offices network worldwide. IMTC will be positioned to be a global training content provider producing quality training content and enhanced learning experience to all Wilhelmsen seafarers globally through e-learning platforms and virtual reality training hub.

Wilhelmsen is strategically preparing for the 2030 landscape, based on the projection that 70% of the world fleet will use conventional fuel, 20% LNG, and 10% alternative fuels. “Leveraging digital systems, we are implementing data-driven strategies and KPIs to reduce fuel consumption. Our investment in training equips crew members to take emission-conscious initiatives. Through a holistic approach integrating technology, data insights and skilled personnel, we are positioning our operations to support ship owners’ vision for a net zero emission future” added Carl Schou. 

In an industry traditionally dominated by males, Wilhelmsen actively promotes gender diversity through its cadetship program and an internal support group for female seafarers. The company proactively welcomes female cadets, constituting 4% of its yearly intake and aims to increase the ratio to 10%. In a historic milestone, Wilhelmsen promoted two female Captains since last year.

Wilhelmsen collaborates with local non-profit organizations to support marginalized communities as part of its commitment to social sustainability. The “Inspire our Children” initiative aims to raise awareness about seafaring as a profession among underprivileged children.

As a responsible ship manager, Wilhelmsen prioritizes the health, safety and wellbeing of its seafarers, fostering a strong safety culture, ensuring good working conditions and providing accessibility to tools supporting seafarers’ wellbeing. With its holistic strategy encompassing technology, data-driven insights and skilled personnel, Wilhelmsen positions its operations for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future, stated in a press release.

About Wilhelmsen Ship Management: Wilhelmsen Ship Management (Wilhelmsen) is a part of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services, a Wilh. Wilhelmsen Group company. Wilhelmsen is one of the world’s largest third-party ship managers with a portfolio of more than 450 vessels and 11,000 active seafarers. Wilhelmsen provides technical and crew management services for various vessel segments: LNG/LPG; Ro-Ro and PCC/PCTC vessels; FPSO/FSO; Container; Cruise; Bulk; Seismic; and Offshore. Wilhelmsen manages vessels from seven offices worldwide alongside a crewing network of 21 manning offices in 13 countries. Other key services include dry-docking services, layup services and newbuilding supervision.ends GNI