The announcement comes as tensions across major maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, begin to ease. Fleet Management welcomed renewed multilateral efforts aimed at addressing the increasing exposure of civilian seafarers to armed conflicts and geopolitical instability while ensuring that they remain protected from the human consequences of such crises.
Dr. Harry Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group and Fleet Management Limited, said countries, industries and communities depend on seafarers to keep essential goods moving across the globe. He stated that strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz remain critical arteries of the global economy, and any disruption immediately increases costs and places additional pressure on supply chains. He added that governments and the maritime industry must act decisively to uphold safe and unrestricted navigation so that seafarers can perform their duties with confidence.
Reflecting the International Maritime Organization's 2026 theme, "Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks," Fleet Management stressed that while seafarers remain the backbone of global commerce, they are increasingly operating on the frontline of geopolitical disruptions to ensure uninterrupted transportation of fuel, food and essential goods. Since February, an estimated 20,000 civilian seafarers, including nearly 600 serving under Fleet Management, have faced these challenges daily, navigating volatile waters and, in several cases, remaining at anchor for extended periods until operating conditions improved.
Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Management Limited, said the maritime industry has a responsibility to advocate for civilian seafarers who continue to perform their duties despite circumstances beyond their control. He stated that such risks must not become an accepted reality and that seafarers deserve to be properly recognised, heard and protected. He also welcomed the International Maritime Organization-led evacuation efforts aimed at restoring safe maritime transit and expressed hope that confidence in regional navigation would soon return.
Fleet Management stated that it follows a comprehensive risk management framework to safeguard its seafarers working in high-risk regions by prioritising physical safety, mental wellbeing and uninterrupted communication between ships and shore-based teams. The company continuously monitors developments, adjusts sailing routes whenever necessary and maintains constant communication to protect crews, vessels and the marine environment. It further stated that every vessel is assessed individually before resuming operations, ensuring each movement is based on a detailed risk assessment and conducted with maximum safety.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to safe, fair and responsible maritime operations by placing seafarers at the centre of its welfare programmes. Through Fleet Care, seafarers receive round-the-clock mental health assistance, wellbeing initiatives and family support programmes that strengthen communication with loved ones. Fleet Management also serves approximately one million meals annually across its fleet to support nutrition, while comprehensive insurance coverage protects crew members both at sea and during leave. The company stated that these initiatives help reduce stress and enable seafarers to remain focused under demanding conditions.
Highlighting the launch of Pulse, Angad Banga, Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group and Executive Director of Fleet Management Limited, said genuine recognition of seafarers must translate into practical action every day. He said this requires understanding the pressures faced by maritime professionals and responding with systems that provide meaningful and continuous support.
Fleet Management described Pulse as more than a mobile application, calling it a digital lifeline for its global community of approximately 27,000 seafarers. Designed specifically for maritime operations, the platform centralises essential documents, operational updates and welfare resources, reducing administrative responsibilities while providing greater clarity and convenience. Pulse also offers continuous access to physical and mental health services through Fleet Care, ensuring that seafarers remain connected whether they are onboard vessels or on leave.
To coincide with the International Day of the Seafarer, Fleet Management also launched a series of global awareness and advocacy initiatives highlighting the vital contribution of maritime professionals to international trade. With more than 80 percent of global trade transported by sea, the company noted that the role of seafarers often remains unnoticed despite its significance.
As part of these initiatives, Fleet Management's crewing offices in India, the Philippines and China organised family outreach programmes under the Fleet Care Family Outreach Programme, delivering health and wellbeing support to the families of seafarers alongside community engagement activities. Similar awareness programmes were conducted across the company's global offices, supported by multi-city public campaigns designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the maritime profession. Fleet Management stated that these initiatives reinforce its commitment to ensuring seafarers remain visible, valued and supported both at sea and at home.
The company also highlighted its continued investment in professional training, issuing more than 80,000 certificates annually and training approximately 500 cadets every year through the International Maritime Institute. Fleet Management stated that these programmes ensure its maritime workforce remains highly skilled, resilient and fully prepared for the challenges of modern shipping operations.
Fleet Management Limited, a part of The Caravel Group, is among the world's largest third-party ship management companies, managing more than 600 vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, car carriers, oil tankers, gas carriers and chemical tankers ranging from 600 to 320,000 deadweight tonnes. The company stated that its fleet consists largely of young, energy-efficient vessels with an age profile below the industry average, while its newbuilding supervision division continues to support the development of modern shipping infrastructure.
The company's latest initiatives underscore the growing international focus on protecting civilian seafarers who sustain global trade under increasingly complex geopolitical conditions, while reinforcing the need for long-term investment in their safety, wellbeing and professional development.
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