Synergy Marine Group

Characteristically modest, Captain Jens Gregersen this year celebrated a remarkable 40 years of continuous maritime service with a quiet presentation at our Copenhagen office, and an insightful interview. Captain Gregersen blends fond nostalgia with forward-looking wisdom, offers thoughts on employment attitudes, women on board, and autonomous vessels, and candidly shares lessons learned over his remarkable career.   Highlighting the training ship “DANMARK” in 1976 and Aretha Franklin in 1967 in capturing almost half a century in our industry, this deeply thoughtful and very senior mariner does not regret one single day and advises any intending seafarer simply to go for it.    He is pictured with (l-r) Masayuki Nishiyama of Maersk Tankers and Synergy’s Janus Auken, Umesh Shinde, Ken Dorn Hansen and Shakil Ahmed, and the full interview can be read at https://lnkd.in/gnFzJhdd #WeAreSynergy #MaritimeIndustry #Seafarers #CareerMilestone #ShipManagement #Shipsandshipping

On 23 September, the seventh Splash Maritime CEO Forum in Singapore brought together senior shipping executives to discuss key industry issues. A significant focus of the event was improving maritime life and attracting new talent. Panels addressed strategies for better appealing to younger generations while enhancing working and living conditions for those already at sea, including investment in better connectivity. There was also much emphasis on improving work-life balance post-pandemic, addressing stress, and in all ways improving seafarer well-being. Synergy Marine Group’s Co-CEO, Ship Management Division, Captain Swaminathan Hari, emphasised that the entire industry must act immediately to prioritise employees' mental health, with a goal of immediately lessening and as soon as possible eliminating seafarer suicide. This issue of mental health is not unique to the maritime industry. Other high-risk industries, such as mining, have also faced rising suicide rates among workers, where the stresses of isolation and demanding conditions elevate mental health risks. Synergy is committed to advocating for collective industry efforts to ensure the well-being of all maritime workers. Diversity was another key topic, with Captain Swaminathan discussing Synergy’s efforts to support female seafarers. He highlighted how Synergy has developed bespoke PPE designed for women, to ensure their safety and comfort. “We want them to feel at home and safe in their place of work. Making sure they have comfortable PPE designed to the highest safety and functional standards is, of course, a foundational and also critical part of that process.” he said. Additionally, Captain Swaminathan shared Synergy’s commitment to empowering the next generation of maritime professionals through the Chakra Scholarship initiative. By partnering with NGOs and engaging local communities, Synergy offers scholarships to aspiring seafarers aged 15-18, providing them with training and opportunities to pursue careers in the maritime industry. We extend our warm thanks to Splash Maritime and Offshore News (splash247.com) for hosting such a pivotal event and bringing industry leaders together to discuss these critical issues. #WeAreSynergy #Maritime #Shipping #FutureOfWork #Seafarers #MentalHealth #TalentDevelopment #SafetyFirst #maritimeSG

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆   World Maritime Day is next week, and this year’s theme is “Navigating the future: safety first”. Synergy Marine Group's ongoing commitment to safety and sustainability wholly aligns with that, and with alternative fuels like LNG playing a key role in reducing emissions it is essential that our crews are equipped and trained to handle these advancements safely. And they are. Seafarers are integral to shipping's shift towards greener fuels, contributing significantly to a sustainable future, and through very specific training and hands-on application they are driving the adoption of safer and non-fossil energy solutions.   In our latest blog, Assistant Technical Manager (Training) Dr. Sairam K highlights how we are preparing crews for the future, using a variety of training methods, including LNG bunkering simulators and advanced digital tools. As one of the largest third-party managers of LNG-powered vessels, we apply this tutoring and the learning that comes from it daily in embracing the global shift towards greener shipping.   Connecting skilled personnel with effective processes is going to be fundamental to our industry, and upskilled crew operating in a safety-first work environment and overall culture, will be critical.   Read more on how we are future-proofing maritime training here 👉  https://lnkd.in/gBmUZqCb #WeAreSynergy #WorldMaritimeDay #SafetyFirst #EnergyTransition #FutureFuels #LNG #MaritimeTraining #SDG4 #sustainability

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆@𝗦𝗲𝗮 On 9 September the Global Maritime Forum's Diversity@Sea initiative published its latest report. Titled “Improving seafarer well-being”, and with directness that highlights the importance of the issues, this is part of in-depth consultation and research that seeks to make seagoing life more inclusive and attractive for all, and to tackle the core problems experienced by women seafarers. Synergy Marine Group is proud to be one of the 12 first-mover companies involved, with the managed tanker “SOUTHERN REVERENCE” sailing last October, meeting key minimum requirements (such as 24/7 wi-fi, four women in the crew and bespoke PPE) and proceeding to test a variety of real-life situations. Thus by engaging with 400 seafarers over more than ten months, this pilot project collected and distilled 50,000 data points in identifying the change that is needed. While the resulting guidelines will be published early next year, as preliminary Diversity@Sea has been able to list and then amplify these main focus areas for reshaping seafaring life: 🚫 A zero tolerance policy for abuse, harassment and bullying 📄 Contracts 🌐 Internet access and social connectivity ☎️ Guaranteed helpline access 👨👩👧 Parental support 🦺 Inclusive PPE 📈 Transparent training and appraisal systems Synergy Marine Group has long been addressing and further improving these core aspects, and others, too, in aid of inclusivity, equality and fairness, and wholly endorses the hope expressed that these initial findings will be embraced by the wider industry. The Group also echoes the thanks offered to the seafarers on the 12 participating vessels and to the project leaders from the Global Maritime Forum’s All Aboard Alliance, and hopes that this report will resonate with those who want spoken words and written text to swiftly become settled policy and concrete action. 👉 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/d2M5xEgv #WeAreSynergy #DiversityAndInclusion #Seafarers #MaritimeIndustry #Wellbeing #GenderEquality #Sustainability #SDGs

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀   Regularly highlighting seafarer mental health issues is part of addressing them, by calling out a problem that had long been near invisible, lifting the burden of stigma and teaching everyone how they can help.   Education is vital and was very much to the fore in Manila this summer, when ALMA (Association of Local Manning Agencies) Maritime Group and the Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) hosted 230 delegates from core industry members and media at a major event on maritime mental wellbeing.   This was supported by many related bodies, including the ITF, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, the Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization, the Kabayan Partylist (part of the Philippines House of Representatives) and the Synergy Marine Group and its wellbeing partner Manah Wellness.   Synergy trains many employees as Wellbeing Champions, who engage directly with colleagues, providing support and if needed sourcing professional help, and this seminar highlighted that our industry’s marine HR departments also have a critical role in promoting and overseeing seafarers' mental welfare. The head of Synergy's Manila office, Captain Capt.Krishna Mundath, was one of the presenters, and ALMA Chair Atty. Iris V. Baguilat urged that “Marine HR personnel are champions for our seafarers”. The aim was to equip all HR personnel with the right knowledge, tools and strategies so they can most effectively underpin crews' mental health and wellness, with much emphasis on collaborative efforts to ensure the best possible environment for seafarers and shore teams alike. The leader of Synergy's WeTeam, Captain. Capt. Rahul Sachdeva, was involved in many discussions on the purpose, reach and effect of our caring helpline service that is open to all in the marine industry, worldwide, as further emphasised by Captain Mundath’s closing remarks that the state of mind knows no boundaries, culture, race or religion and psychological wellness is for everyone. #WeAreSynergy #MentalHealthAwareness #SeafarerWellbeing  #WellbeingChampions #BreakTheStigma #WorkplaceWellbeing  #MaritimeSafety #SeafarersSupport #MentalHealthMatters

𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 First interviewed as a Deck Cadet in 2022, Urmi has recently given us some equally candid and balanced views, speaking this time from the LPG/ C "GLOBE FRONTIER" and following her promotion.   Sailing as a Third Officer has been a transformative experience, with every day presenting challenges and responsibilities that echo her strong sense of duty. There is empowerment as well, to mirror the notion of environmental stewardship that she describes as part of her motivation, and the particular fulfilment of breaking stereotypes and inspiring other women to enjoy the adventures that she finds in seafaring.   Urmi advocates improved female-specific medical support, and also looks forward to when sufficient numbers might mean at least two women in every crew. She views the advantages of having women on board through the clear lenses of improved decision-making, team dynamics and camaraderie, and (while cautioning that a seagoing life can be tough) encourages every young woman who wants to sail in the global merchant shipping fleet to believe in herself and to trust in meritocracy as she earns her place.      This wide-ranging discussion reveals a seafarer who is content in adjusting to her new role, and who rightly includes frank assessment as one of her duties. Read the full interview here ➡ https://lnkd.in/gEjjazSC #WeAreSynergy #MaritimeIndustry #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInMaritime #Empowerment #BreakingBarriers #ShippingIndustry

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶   On 29 August Synergy Marine Group hosted a landmark event in Dubai which brought together leading maritime executives, key regional stakeholders and industry innovators in order further to explore and map out the future of maritime sustainability. The gathering focused on energy efficiency, cutting-edge technology and the vital role of seafarers in this accelerating transition, and was held in partnership with Synergy's decarbonisation arm AZOLLA and MB Shipbrokers of Copenhagen.   The event featured discussions led by MB Shipbrokers' Head of Energy Transition, Olof Klintholm, Synergy’s Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Hoad, and Azolla’s Business Head, Kiran Shet. The sessions delved into the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting existing vessels with green technologies. While retrofitting offers significant potential, it also presents complex design considerations, high costs, and evolving regulations, necessitating careful assessment.   Azolla’s solutions are designed to address all issues directly, providing both shipowners and operators with a clear pathway to sustainable operations. Our decarbonisation strategies cater for both new builds and retrofits, ensuring that each vessel meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. These solutions go beyond regulatory compliance : they represent a strategic investment, positioning our clients to gain a competitive edge as the industry transitions to cleaner energy.   Our CEO of Marine Services and Corporate Functions, Mathavan Subbiah, emphasised “The journey toward decarbonising global supply chains in shipping has advanced significantly, and today we are actively implementing practical solutions to achieve both immediate emission reductions and long-term sustainability. Early adopters play a crucial role in driving positive change, and the success of this conference—evident from the delegates' enthusiasm and feedback—demonstrates the collective effort required and being made to navigate our sector toward net-zero emissions.” #WeAreSynergy #Decarbonisation #Sustainability #EnergyEfficency #EnergyTransition #ShippingIndustry #ClimateAction #NetZero

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 Synergy’s simulators in Chennai for ship manoeuvring and handling liquid cargoes, and similar at the MOL Synergy Training Centre in Mumbai, get trainees on shore as close as possible to genuine maritime situations, and offer learning in safety that, under continuing supervision, is later applied on board. They also bring our world to life for visitors, just as when 30 students from Muktangan School visited the Training Centre in Mumbai last summer. The school is one of a number of Muktangan facilities in educationally under-resourced communities, all offering youngsters the chance to “learn and grow together”. The students heard a great deal about life at sea and opportunities in the merchant navy, but the highlight was the MOL Synergy Ship Simulator experience, an immersive encounter that fascinated the students and left them in awe. They all said that as they stepped into it they felt like they had come on board a real ship and were facing the vastness of the open sea. As well as priceless instruction and confidence-building for our own youngsters, simulators also bring home to others what handling a vessel and her cargo is actually like. Whetting the appetite of newcomers, they have a role in recruitment as well as training. #WeAreSynergy #MaritimeTraining #MaritimeEducation #STEMEducation #FutureSeafarers #SkillDevelopment #MaritimeIndustry

𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗚 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝟱𝟬 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 Having earned the right to use the LowCarbonSG logo in February this year, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd was delighted to be further recognised by being among the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority Maritime SG LowCarbon50 Award winners.   Recognising Synergy's major contribution to emissions reduction, this is a great honour and is part of an initiative involving the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) , Singapore Shipping Association and the UNGC Network.   Presented by MPA Chief Executive Mr Eng Dih Teo, the Award was received by KS Win, Synergy’s Singapore Director of Operations.   Commenting on this achievement, Mathavan Subbiah, CEO Marine Services & Corporate Functions remarked "Receiving the Maritime SG LowCarbon50 Award is a testament to Synergy's unwavering commitment to sustainability. As we navigate through complex regulatory changes and innovate to meet the challenges ahead, every step we take towards reducing our carbon footprint is crucial. The journey to decarbonisation is a shared responsibility, and Synergy is dedicated to continuing our collaboration with industry partners, governments and regulatory bodies to create a sustainable future for shipping. The initiatives that we pursue today, particularly in low-carbon fuels and emission reduction technologies, are integral to shaping a greener, more resilient maritime industry." #Sustainabilty #Maritime #Decarbonisation #ClimateAction #GreenShipping #EnergyTransition #ShippingIndustry  

𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗔"   🏀 Alongside notions like getting in the flow and staying in the zone, part of sports psychology is that sport helps with psychology. The crew on this Synergy-managed bulk carrier have certainly embraced that message, regularly gathering to play basketball on an enclosed and unconventional but perfectly adequate court laid out in a safe space. Bespoke shirts and a banner were made ashore, and as pictured these take their proud place beneath Group logo backboards when inventive and contented mariners come together for further teamwork.   Whether you are a Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Bird, Kobe, LeBron, Curry or Second Engineer Mehedi Hasan Sagar and his teammates here, there is exercise, bonding and fun to be had in shooting baskets. All on board are much better for it, with increased heart rates and decreased stress levels, as this crew-made sport facility provides recreation and enhances both physical and mental well-being. #WeAreSynergy #MentalHealthMatters #CrewWellness #PhysicalWellbeing #ShipManagement #Maritime #ShipsAndShipping