Schulte Group ship manager BSM is focused on securing sources of future seafarers amid population decline in traditional crewing nations.
Theophanis Theophanous, managing director of BSM Hellas, said: “In the years to come, it will be even more critical to attract and retain qualified and motivated seafarers.”
BSM has opened a new crew service centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a branch office in Goa, India, expanding its network of wholly owned crew centres to 26.
“Through this unique in-house network, we ensure highly competent, duly certified, experienced, and medically fit seafarers are selected and recruited for placement onboard our managed ships,” Theophanous said.
“We are also aware that the working age population of traditional seafaring nations is anticipated to decline over the next few years, underlining the importance of having a geographically diverse pool of seafarers to ensure business continuity.”
The managing director said the group has been investing in new markets with “favourable demographics” such as Africa and South America as a result.
“At our company, we are determined to make a seagoing career more attractive for young people again,” he said.
Theophanous describes a rigorous selection process, periodic appraisals and career growth opportunities as crucial in maintaining and growing its labour pool.
BSM also cooperates with several educational institutions worldwide and has its in-house cadet programme.
Theophanous said the idea is to nurture loyal junior officers.
Interest in management to grow
The group also operates five wholly-owned maritime training centres around the world.
“One particular crucial strength in these challenging times is our diverse crew pool. Well-positioned in the market, our company has access to a large pool of 20,000 highly trained seafarers from 80 different countries,” Theophanous said.
He also promised the company will drive the digital transformation to further improve the efficiency of the fleets it manages.
“For the future, we predict that interest in third-party ship management services will further increase, as owners tap into the large crew pools and array of nationalities available, as well as the stability of services offered as a global and prominent industry establishment,” Theophanous said.
