Crew welfare takes center stage: The 2025 Crew Welfare Award Recipients revealed

These awards aim to recognize excellence and highlight successful initiatives that support crew welfare and wellbeing. They encourage maritime stakeholders to learn from one another as we collectively strive to enhance the lives of those working at sea.

This moment is pivotal. It presents an opportunity to modernize the maritime sector, attract the talent it needs, and ensure that seafarers receive the recognition they deserve as key contributors to global trade. The Crew Welfare Awards serve as a powerful reminder that crew welfare is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Seafarers who feel valued and supported form the foundation of both operational excellence and safety at sea. Especially now, as the industry moves toward a more sustainable future, it is crucial that this transition remains fair and just, with continued focus on improving working and living conditions on board.

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, commented:

We would like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted nominees of this year’s awards. These awards celebrate not only individual and organizational achievements but also our shared commitment to improving life at sea.

He added: “At SAFETY4SEA, we firmly believe that seafarers are the backbone of industry transformation. It is imperative that we refocus our efforts on those at the core of maritime operations. By highlighting impactful actions and initiatives that advance crew welfare, we aim to provide both an example and a strategic direction for the development of a more sustainable and human-centered shipping sector.”

The recipients of the 2025 Crew Welfare Virtual Awards are:

Dorian LPG received the 2025 Crew Welfare Tanker Operator Award for its efforts to support the employment of women on board its vessels, promoting equal opportunities in recruitment and career development. The company has collaborated with the AllAboard Alliance to enhance the onboard experience for female seafarers. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, Ardmore Shipping, Columbia Group, Pertamina International Shipping

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Ioanna Lali, Alternate Crew Manager / HR Development Officer, Dorian LPG, said: ‘’ We believe that talent and dedication know no boundaries, and we’re committed to fair recruitment and creating an environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

This award reminds us of our responsibility and reflects the hard work of our teams, both on board and ashore, who show respect, inclusivity, and integrity every day. Thank you to our crew for your professionalism and unity, which turn our vessels into communities’’

Dorian LPG implements measures to improve conditions for seafarers across its fleet, with a strong focus on increasing the number of women on board. Through its partnership with TURTLE, the company promotes diversity at sea, embracing a wide range of nationalities and genders. Dorian LPG ranks among the top 20 companies in the All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea workstream. The company actively recruits and supports female cadets and officers on its modern VLGC fleet. Since 2019, several female cadets have joined Dorian LPG, with more expected, as the company’s pool of female seafarers continues to grow. Dorian LPG is also a member of the DSG’s DEIB benchmarking initiative for shore-based personnel.

OLDENDORFF CARRIERS GmbH & Co. KG. received the 2025 Crew Welfare Dry Bulk Operator Award for placing crew at the heart of its operations and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into every stage of career development. Their ‘Global Cadet Program: Embracing Diversity’ is a structured initiative designed to train, retain, and promote cadets to long-term officer roles based solely on merit. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Anglo American, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management, Neptune Dry Management, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Armin Zilske, Director Crewing, OLDENDORFF CARRIERS GmbH & Co. KG, said: ‘

Our crews are at the heart of our operations and their dedication shapes our success. We actively build a culture that values support and appreciation, with equal opportunities regardless of their nationality, gender, race, or religion, ensuring they feel valued at every stage of their journey with us.

”So, thank you very much for this great recognition, and we really look forward to continuing our journey towards a more diverse and healthy maritime industry.”, he added.

Oldendorff Carriers is shaping the future of maritime by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into every stage of career development. In 2024, 44% of their new deck, engine, and electrical engineering cadets were female, and their cadet pool represents 17 nationalities. The company’s “Cadet to Master” approach ensures cadets follow a clear career trajectory that prepares them for leadership roles. Each cadet gains real-world operational experience from day one, supported by structured mentorship, technical training, and career development opportunities. This structured progression fosters an inclusive talent pipeline and sets a benchmark for professional growth in the maritime industry.

OSM Thome received the 2025 Crew Welfare Crew Manager Award for its comprehensive ‘OSM Thome Cares Program’—a holistic initiative aimed at fostering happy, healthy, and financially secure seafarers. Built on the pillars of people, policy, process, and practice, the program addresses eight essential areas of well-being, creating positive ripple effects that extend to families and communities. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Columbia Group, Döhle Seafront Crewing Manila, Magsaysay, V.Group, Wallem Group.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Mailyn Borillo, Managing Director, OSM Thome Philippines, said: ‘’ Through healthcare, mental wellness, financial education, and continuous training, we support not just work readiness, but personal growth and well-being. We also extend that care beyond the vessel. Supporting families through community events, mentoring, and initiatives like the Seafarers Family Club in the Philippines.

With our seafarers, we want to establish not just work relationships, but also life relationships.’

OSM Thome achieved a 97% crew retention rate in 2024, far above the industry average, driven by a people-first culture. The award-winning ‘OSM Thome Cares Program’ supports crew across eight essential areas of well-being—from health and happiness to financial security. Crew and families benefit from regular social gatherings, youth mentoring, telemedicine access, and wellness education. The company promotes lifelong learning through Maritime Leaders Academy, OSERV Catering Academy, and the iLearn platform. Initiatives like the Women’s Desk and transparent referral programs strengthen inclusivity and career access for all. Through education scholarships, disaster aid, and celebratory events, OSM Thome’s support extends beyond contracts—into lives and communities.

OCEANIC received the 2025 Crew Welfare Service Provider Award for its outstanding commitment to crew wellbeing, recognizing the unique challenges they face while working onboard. By empowering dedicated chefs and nutrition experts, the company drives impactful wellbeing campaigns, launches inspiring culinary challenges, and embraces a holistic approach to health, all with crew welfare at its core. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: ATPI Marine Travel, IMEQ Center, Inmarsat Maritime, PHILCAMSAT, Port Medical Management

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Kyriakos Hadjikyriakou, Managing Director, OCEANIC said: ‘Seafarers are the foundation of our industry, and their well-being is not just our responsibility, but a commitment well embedded in our culture.

We understand the unique challenges of life at sea, and that’s why our approach to crew welfare goes beyond basic needs. Our efforts are centered on health, resilience, physical well-being, and most importantly, creating a sense of belonging, even when our crew members are miles away from home.

Stavrie Kleanthous, RD Wellbeing Services Manager Clinical Dietitian/Nutritionist, OCEANIC also stated: “Supporting seafarers’ well-being is more than a professional responsibility for me. It’s a deeply human one. Every day, we witness the unique physical and mental challenges seafarers face. 

Our well-being strategy focuses on real, practical support from tailored nutrition and fitness tools to meaningful human connection, even when miles at sea. Our role isn’t just to respond to needs. It’s to anticipate them.

Oceanic leads with crew wellbeing at its core, recognizing the unique challenges of life at sea. Monthly wellbeing campaigns focus on mental health, stress management, and physical activity to empower healthier lifestyles onboard. Culinary challenges promote healthy eating through creativity, fun, and cultural connection among crew members. Tailored nutrition programs reflect diverse dietary needs, with balanced menus and culturally familiar ingredients. Crew receive personalized guidance, recipes, and tools to make informed dietary choices that support long-term health. Oceanic’s holistic, nutrition-led approach boosts morale, health, and performance—fostering a culture where every seafarer can thrive.

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) received the 2025 Crew Welfare Non- Profit Organisation Award for its efforts to address crew wellbeing and welfare priorities. This includes the development of a program called “ITF Wellbeing,” through which they collaborate with government authorities and maritime academies worldwide to introduce a stress management module into the maritime curriculum. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: ECSA European Shipowners and ETF, ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network), Maritime Professional Council of UK (MPC), Seafarers’ Hospital Society (SHS).

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global Wellbeing Program Coordinator, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), said: ‘’We, as a trade union organization, want to make sure every seafarer, including young seafarers, are healthy and happy on board and on shore

. The number of seafarers – including young seafarers – struggling with mental health problems has increased significantly in current years. In fact, the suicide rate among young seafarers is alarmingly high. We, at the ITF and our well-being program is committed to support seafarers in their struggle.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)has launched the ‘ITF Wellbeing’ program’ to support crew health and welfare. In collaboration with various governments, the ITF has made mental health education mandatory in maritime academies. The ITF Wellbeing program aims to equip seafarers with tools to manage stress and mental health challenges. Recently, ITF signed an agreement with Pertamina to provide training and emergency support over the next three years. This agreement builds on similar partnerships with the partnerships in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and across the Black Sea region. Seafarers experiencing mental health issues at sea can access ITF Wellbeing Directory, where support is available in different languages.

Magsaysay received the 2025 Crew Welfare Diversity & Inclusion Award for its support of female cadets through mentorship, leadership development programs, and initiatives that promote inclusivity, safe spaces, and confidence among female students. The company has also championed a bullying- and harassment-free workplace through its policy, Wag Ganiyan, Sexual Harassment ‘Yan (WGSHY). Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Neurodivers At Sea, OneCare Group, Sailors’ Society, Seaspan Corporation, WISTA Norway.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Arnold Javier President, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, said:

Among our 270 shore-based staff, 10% identify as LGBTQIA+, including several senior leaders whose careers are shaped by expertise and merit. On board, women represent 30% of our nearly 48,000 deployed seafarers, excelling in roles from staff to senior manager roles. The rising number of female cadets at MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy (MMMA) is a testament to our ongoing effort to cultivate new talent and foster inclusivity from ground up.

Magsaysay fosters a truly inclusive culture where gender, identity, and beliefs are respected—earning an 88% fairness rating in its latest GPTW survey. 30% of Magsaysay’s 47,952 deployed seafarers are women, including officers on both cruise and merchant vessels. Through its “Wag Ganiyan, Sexual Harassment ‘Yan” policy, Magsaysay promotes a workplace free from bullying, bias, and harassment. At MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy, female maritime student numbers rose from 100 in 2021 to 956 in 2024, driven by outreach like the Youth Leadership Challenge. Female cadets at MMMA are supported through mentorship, leadership programs, and safe-space initiatives that build confidence and readiness for life at sea. With LGBTQIA+ representation in leadership and a zero-reported harassment rate, Magsaysay proves that diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than policies—they’re lived values.

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. received the 2025 Crew Welfare Personality Award for her significant contributions to crew welfare, advocating for the rights and well-being of seafarers. As a seasoned legal practitioner, lecturer, and consultant in maritime law, Atty. Baguilat has played a pivotal role in updating and improving shipping laws in the Philippines. Recently, she has been deeply involved in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

Accepting the award, Atty. Iris Baguilat said: “As a legal practitioner and consultant to various agencies, my journey has been guided by the belief that the rights and well-being of seafarers should always be prioritized. As I have often said, we should protect the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The work we did on the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers is a milestone, but it’s just one step in an ongoing pursuit of ensuring that every seafarer has the support, safety, and recognition they deserve.

Atty. Iris Baguilat is a maritime law expert and President of Döhle Seafront, known for her transformative leadership in crew welfare and employment. She played a key role in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to protect seafarers’ rights. As Chair of ALMA Maritime Group, she represents 74 manning agencies deploying over 150,000 Filipino seafarers globally. A trusted consultant to government agencies, she actively contributes to the reform of Philippine shipping laws and seafarer claims processes. Atty. Baguilat is also a trustee of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, advancing legal support and standards for the industry. Recognized among the Top 100 Women in Shipping in 2021, she continues to champion Filipino seafarers’ welfare on both national and global stages.

Mark O’Neil, President, Columbia Group received the 2025 Crew Welfare Leadership Award for his leadership in advocating for crew welfare and implementing comprehensive initiatives to support the mental, physical, and social well-being of seafarers. As President of the Columbia Group and former President of InterManager, he has led significant initiatives, including ColumbiaCrewCare, ColumbiaFit, and a mental health hotline, all aimed at enhancing seafarers’ well-being and resilience.

Accepting the award, Mark O’Neil said:

We put people at the front, in the middle, and at the end of everything we do. And we recognize that as far as the performance of our ships is concerned, the crew is where it begins and where it ends.

”And it’s for this reason that all of our focus – everything we do- is on properly motivated crew, properly fed and watered crew, properly trained crew, properly educated crew, properly compensated crew, crew that are healthy mentally and physically, and crew that have all the support they need for themselves and for their families.”, he added. 

Mark O’Neil, President and CEO of Columbia Group, is a staunch advocate for seafarer well-being, driving initiatives that prioritize mental, physical, and social health. Under his leadership, Columbia launched key welfare programs including ColumbiaCrewCare, ColumbiaFit, and a dedicated mental health hotline to support seafarers globally. A former maritime lawyer and British Army officer, Mark O’Neil brings deep industry insight from his legal career representing shipowners, insurers, and offshore firms worldwide. As President of InterManager from 2020 to 2024, he led global discussions on digitalization, performance optimization, and the Human Element in maritime operations. He is a frequent speaker and chair at major international conferences, championing crew training, wellness, and industry innovation. In his dual role as CEO of Columbia Group and Schoeller Holdings, Mark O’Neil continues to shape global maritime practices with a strong commitment to crew welfare and operational excellence.