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Maersk looks to South Africa for new cadets

South Africa has been identified as a high potential crew sourcing area. (Image source: Maersk)

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), following an extensive review process, has identified South Africa as a high potential location for sourcing new crew members for its fleet of 280 full-owned and operated container vessels 

South African Cadets from the National Seafarer Development Programme will be considered for placement with Maersk, with the first cadets expected to arrive on Maersk vessels from Q2 2023. 

Niels Bruus, head of marine HR at Maersk, commented, “The importance of having geographically diverse pools of seafarers was highlighted during the Pandemic. 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.”

South Africa has been identified as a high potential crew sourcing area because of the country’s proven track record in providing quality ship officers, its favourable geographical location, its existing maritime infrastructure, and its large population with English language capabilities. 

The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), which was established in 2003 in Simons Town by the A.P. Moller- Maersk Foundation, offers a range of simulation-based skills development courses and will manage the Maersk South Africa Cadet Programme.