Wallem Group prioritizes seafarer rights, green skills

Wallem Group prioritizes seafarer rights, green skills
Carmela I. Huelar October 28, 2026 https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/10/28/business/maritime/wallem-group-pr...

MANILA, Philippines — As the global shipping industry navigates escalating geopolitical conflicts in high-risk waters and an accelerated transition toward decarbonization, Wallem Group is putting seafarer autonomy and technical upskilling at the center of its operations.

In an interview with The Manila Times during Crew Connect Global in Manila, Akhil Dhawan, Group Crewing Director at Wallem Group, detailed how the 123-year-old ship management firm is updating its crew welfare and training strategies to respond to modern maritime risks.

Based in Singapore, Dhawan oversees end-to-end recruitment, operations, training, and well-being for Wallem’s global network of 6,600 seafarers operating across approximately 160 technical and crew-managed vessels. Among them are nearly 2,300 Filipino seafarers.

Right to refuse high-risk transits

Addressing growing safety concerns in conflict zones such as the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz, Dhawan emphasized Wallem’s policy of total transparency and voluntary consent for all transits.

“We have been very transparent, very honest, and very open with our seafarers on ships,” Dhawan said.

“We have given them the right to choose whether they want to continue their employment on vessels flying in those regions, or if they would like to go back home.”

Dhawan directly addressed industry concerns regarding blacklisting — a frequent fear among crew members who refuse assignments in dangerous waters.

“If they choose not to, their employment with Wallem still holds, and they are more than welcome to work on the fleet that is not flying in that region,” Dhawan said.

He clarified that consent is requested on a per-voyage basis rather than as a blanket approval for a seafarer’s entire contract term.

Addressing growing safety concerns in conflict zones such as the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz, Dhawan emphasized Wallem’s policy of total transparency and voluntary consent for all transits.

“We have been very transparent, very honest, and very open with our seafarers on ships,” Dhawan said.

“We have given them the right to choose whether they want to continue their employment on vessels flying in those regions, or if they would like to go back home.”

Dhawan directly addressed industry concerns regarding blacklisting — a frequent fear among crew members who refuse assignments in dangerous waters.

“If they choose not to, their employment with Wallem still holds, and they are more than welcome to work on the fleet that is not flying in that region,” Dhawan said.

He clarified that consent is requested on a per-voyage basis rather than as a blanket approval for a seafarer’s entire contract term.
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To reassure families onshore and counter false information circulating on social media during security crises, Wallem maintains active communication channels with seafarers’ relatives, supported by internal initiatives like its award-winning Women of Wallem program.

Upskilling for decarbonization

Beyond geopolitical risk management, Wallem is scaling up technical capabilities as fleet operations transition to alternative green fuels. The company currently manages more than 20 dual-fuel (DF) vessels and has already trained and certified nearly 1,800 seafarers for dual-fuel operations.

To support ongoing technical training, Wallem recently upgraded simulator facilities at its dedicated training center in Manila’s Chinatown district.

“Training is a continuous process,” Dhawan noted. “We feel it is our responsibility to give them all the tools and all the learning platforms so that they are well-trained before they go on their jobs on ships.”

Adapting outreach for Gen Z

Looking to long-term workforce sustainability, Dhawan highlighted the need for early career education to attract younger generations, noting that traditional familial inheritance of maritime roles is shifting.

“Gen Zs are asking different questions. They want logical answers,” Dhawan said. “We need this new and upcoming Gen Z to be the maritime workforce, and we will have to adapt to a language and technology that encourages them.”

To raise awareness about seafaring careers, Wallem actively participates in community initiatives such as the Adopt-A-Ship program, engaging primary school students as early as Grade 4.

“Ninety percent of goods still travel by sea, and without seafarers, global trade stops,” Dhawan said. “It is our responsibility to take this profession to young boys and girls at an early stage.”