South Africa has been recognised as a high potential crew sourcing location for Maersk fleet, which now counts 280 fully-owned and operated container vessels employing 12,500 seafarers.
South African cadets from the National Seafarer Development Program will be evaluated for placement with Maersk, and the first cadets are anticipated to join Maersk vessels in the second quarter of 2023.
“The importance of having geographically diverse pools of seafarers was highlighted during the pandemic,” said Niels Bruus, head of Marine HR of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
According to Maersk’s announcement, South Africa is regarded as a highly prospective crew sourcing place for various reasons, including the country’s demonstrated track record of delivering competent ship officers, its advantageous geographical position, existing marine infrastructure, large population, and English language skills.
Bruus further noted that “South Africa is a natural choice due to its maritime legacy and the number of high-quality South African seafarers currently employed in Maersk’s global container vessel fleet many of whom hold senior positions in our crews.”
