Singapore-based ship manager Norstar Ship Management has opened a crewing office in Yangon,
The new crewing office, Norstar Crew Management Company Limited, will now undertake all crew manning and departure arrangements on behalf of Norstar Ship Management in Singapore, the company said in a statement.
Norstar Ship Management’s Director Tom Bonehill said: “The opening of our crewing office in Myanmar is a very significant step for Norstar. We have been using Myanmar seafarers on our vessels for many years now and the move to establish our own office where we can invest further in training and welfare is consistent with our long term commitment.”
Norstar currently operates a fleet of 19 mainly oil product and chemical carriers. The vessels are predominately manned by Myanmar officers and crew.
The new office in Yangon is an extension of the Norstar’s office in Singapore. Norstar has a pool of around 1,000 Myanmar seafarers making it already one of the largest crewing companies in Myanmar.
The company said its retention rates are expected to grow with the increased training and benefits. Norstar also recruits local cadets from the Myanmar Maritime University and the Myanmar Maritime Mercantile College.
Bonehill said: “We are investing in Myanmar for the long term and wish to play an active role in the development of the maritime sector in the country. We are keen to explore the idea of setting up our own dedicated training centre here one day and this is something which is high on our agenda as our fleet grows and our operations expand.”
