Wallem Group Adds Crew Transit Rights, Expands Training
Ship operators face new crew safety policies and shifting technical requirements for managing dual-fuel vessels.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Human Resources
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Wallem Group has implemented a new policy granting seafarers the right to refuse transit through high-risk conflict zones like the Red Sea. The ship management firm also announced an expansion of its technical training programs to support a growing fleet of dual-fuel vessels.
Why it matters
Operators managing global supply chains must navigate shifting labor protections and evolving technical requirements as the shipping industry transitions to alternative fuels. These updates reflect broader institutional efforts to mitigate safety risks and address the specialized training needed for green-fuel adoption.
Wallem Group employs 6,600 seafarers across 160 managed vessels, with 1,800 staff now certified for dual-fuel operations. This 123-year-old firm, which moves goods in a global sector where 90% of cargo travels by sea, also maintains a specialized training center in Manila.
The players
Wallem Group
A 123-year-old international ship management firm headquartered in Singapore that oversees technical operations and crew recruitment for a global fleet.
The details
Under the new policy, seafarers can opt out of transit through high-risk zones, such as the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz, on a per-voyage basis. To manage the complexity of its dual-fuel fleet, the firm is leveraging upgraded simulator facilities at its Manila training center. This ensures that crew certifications keep pace with the technical demands of alternative green fuels as the industry moves toward decarbonization.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Wallem Group leadership outlined these operational updates in Manila.
Market Landscape
Wallem Group is positioning its workforce to support the global maritime transition toward alternative green fuels. This push for specialized certification follows an industry-wide trend of preparing crews for the complex operational requirements of next-generation engine technology.
Operators should review their own safety protocols and crew contracts when routing shipments through active conflict zones. Additionally, the increasing reliance on dual-fuel vessels makes it critical to audit current vendor training certifications and maintenance capabilities.
The takeaway
Operational agility in shipping now hinges on balancing employee safety in volatile regions with the rapid technical upskilling required for new engine types. Monitor upcoming crew certification reports and insurance risk assessments to gauge the cost impact of these new labor protections.
Further reading
For more on evolving workforce standards in international shipping, visit the Human Resources section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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