Lomar Shipping’s Achim Boehme Scholarship has supported the next generation of shipping leaders by awarding more student bursaries.

The fund is helping nine students at the City University of Applied Sciences in Bremen, Germany, in honour of Lomar’s former chief executive Achim Boehme, 56, who died of cancer in 2020.

The scholars include Kelly O’Grady from the US, Gonzalo Vallejo Moller from Venezuela, Bruno Molina Stagi from Uruguay and Surendra Solanki from India, who are all studying for a BSc in International Ship Management — Nautical Sciences.

Support is also going to Michael Rhenzo Pasion from the Philippines, Francisco dos Santos Portela from Portugal, Soufiane Zakri from Morocco, Hanife Ucar from Turkey and Moritz Wottrich from Germany, who are pursuing a BA in International Shipping & Chartering.

Lomar chief executive Nicholas Georgiou said: “We are delighted to be continuing the support that Achim always showed for young people pursuing careers in the shipping industry.

“Achim was a great leader and mentor to many in shipping and we are delighted to be maintaining his wonderful legacy with an expanded programme of support for the talent of the future, our leaders of tomorrow.”

The scheme perpetuates the lifelong contribution to shipping and dedication of a legend of the industry, the company added.

The first batch of students were revealed in December 2021 by the London Greek shipping company.

Financial and vocational support

Grants contribute to the cost of education. The scheme also helps prepare students for their professional careers through vocational support and internships within Lomar offices and on board vessels.

Boehme, from Bremen, joined Lomar’s management team as chief financial officer in 2010 and was promoted to chief executive that year, taking overall responsibility for management, strategy and development.

He was also general manager of Lomar Germany.

Professor Captain Thomas Jung, from the City University of Applied Sciences, said: “Achim Boehme was a pioneer and strong advocate of the German shipping industry, to education and specifically to the City of Bremen.

“We are delighted to again be working with Lomar to enhance the support given by this scholarship, which is supporting the future careers of students of some of our brightest talents. We hope they will soon be following the path of Achim Boehme by becoming our future leaders of shipping the world over.”