One stands tall, commemorating a noteworthy milestone that highlights its dedication to influencing the future of seafaring as the maritime industry navigates the waves of change. Anglo-Eastern Shipping Company has been a shining example of excellence for fifty years, cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence that has helped it rise to the top of the international shipping sector.
In addition to honouring its remarkable history, the 50th anniversary celebration empowers the upcoming generation of maritime professionals. With a 38-year history in India, they have played a significant role in fostering the aspirations of innumerable Indian students and turning them into elite merchant navy officers. They are set to have an even bigger impact today as they start an ambitious cadet training program, expanding the number of Indian seafarers worldwide and solidifying their place as one of the biggest employers of Indian seafarers!
We are interviewing Capt. Bjorn Hojgaard exclusively, and he says, across the ocean, in a loud, upbeat voice, “One of the biggest populations of young, educated graduates looking for work is found in India. Wages paid to mariners or merchant navy officers are attractive in relation to the nation’s average annual per capita income of about US$2,500. To raise the proportion of Indian seafarers worldwide in the upcoming years, more funding for marine training facilities in India should be promoted. Due to advantages including high pay and tax breaks, the merchant navy and sailing have long been attractive employment options for young Indians. India as a whole is the world’s third-largest supplier of seafarers.” The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways’ “Amrit Kaal Vision 2047” builds on the goals established in the Government of India’s “Maritime India Vision 2030.” Within the next ten years, the proportion of Indian sailors in the global maritime industry is predicted to increase from the present 10% to 20%. Between 2013 and 2024, the total number of Indian seafarers increased significantly, from about 108,000 to about 250,000.
This interview is only becoming more interesting as the captain-turned-CEO continues, “Since merchant navy officers, who serve on specialised cargo ships, are in high demand worldwide, there is training over 2000 Indian youths at our maritime training facilities in Mumbai as part of one of the largest new cadet training programs in the world. This will increase the proportion of Indian seafarers worldwide. After successfully completing maritime studies, students or cadets enrolled at the academy are eventually hired by global operations. It is important to note that 52% of the 39,000 seafarers in the Anglo-Eastern region currently come from India out of the 42 different nationalities represented.”
For people who are enthusiastic about the sea, the nautical sector provides a multitude of opportunities. You can manage ships, collaborate with like-minded crew members and shore specialists, traverse the enormous oceans and guarantee the safe transportation of people and products around the world if you put in the necessary effort and receive the appropriate training. With a 95% overall retention rate over the past five years and 70% of their seafarers promoted internally, Captain believes in the value of investing in his workforce. He has also witnessed the expansion of numerous seafarers into a variety of roles and responsibilities both on and off the coast! In some ways, working in the maritime sector will provide you the chance to expand your skill sets and develop a global perspective. It’s also a fulfilling career that allows you to explore a variety of cultures and situations. Additionally, after gaining enough maritime experience, the world is open to you if you seek to further your career ashore.
“We must safeguard our mariners from discrimination and unnecessary injury because their welfare is of utmost significance. Seafarers have occasionally been falsely accused of illegal activities without enough proof. As a community, we must make sure that hazards like these are reduced so that people who are thinking about pursuing a career at sea can do so without fear or discrimination. For this reason, we have also launched We Care, one of the biggest and most comprehensive seafarer wellness initiatives in the world. Each year, it has an impact on the lives of over 32,000 seafarers and their communities. We understand that there is still a lot of work to be done and that local governments and industry participants must work together to create a more wholesome maritime community,” Captain Bjorn says goodbye!
