TRAINING LOCAL SEAFARERS FOR THE FUTURE
As the world’s largest towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, Svitzer understands that with size comes a responsibility to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the communities we operate in. We therefore go to great lengths to honour that responsibility by creating jobs and investing in local workforce.
In Svitzer’s AMEA region (Asia, Middle East & Africa), localisation is a key priority and about 60% of the 1,000 seafarers working on board the region’s vessels are local seafarers. However, at Svitzer we do more than just employ local employees, we also offer comprehensive training and upskilling to ensure that our seafarers’ learning and development journey never ends.
A good example of this approach is Liberia, where Svitzer started operating in 2019. From the beginning, localisation was a key priority and high on the agenda, but it soon became clear that without a dedicated effort from Svitzer, it would become difficult to get localisation above the 20%, which was the starting point.
Managing Director for Svitzer’s Gulf Cluster, Mohamed Aguir explains:
"When we started operating in Liberia, we were able to fill all our rating positions with Liberian seafarers, but we knew we needed to do more if wanted to be able to move our ratings into officer positions. In general, Liberian seafarers are very skilled, but training opportunities in the country are scarce.
“We are therefore sponsoring a program, where we offer comprehensive training and upskilling to select ratings. At the moment, we have one of our Oilers training to become Chief Engineer, while one of our ABs is training to become a Master.”
Bernard Mathias Kombloah, who is part of the training program and is now completing his sea service on board the Svitzer Lofa after having completed his 3rd Engineer degree (below 3000 Kw) explains:
“Back in 2012 when I began my journey of becoming a seaman at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute, it was my dream to go as far as I could. It has been a long and rigorous journey so far, but I'm overjoyed today to see my dreams come true."
Bernard Mathias Kombloah
“One of the best decisions I have ever made is to join Svitzer. Ever since I joined, Svitzer has proven to be an excellent company, supportive in every way and true to their word. I'm grateful to Svitzer for the sponsorship of my trainings, and I look forward to working with Svitzer for many years. Together we will give our best for our clients and continue to ensure that Svitzer remains the best in the towing industry.”
Today, 60% of all crews on board Svitzer’s tugs in Liberia are locals, but the goal is to extend the program in order to achieve 100% localisation and to give Liberian seafarers a clear career progression path in Svitzer.
