Coronavirus drives Thome to invest in digital crew payments

The global coronavirus pandemic driving owners and managers to move towards operating cashless vessels.

The ShipMoney service will be used to pay a global crew pool of around 12,000 seafarers on a fleet of more than 400 vessels, working within Thome’s integrated maritime services for the international shipping and offshore industries.

ShipMoney’s platform of digital payment solutions will be used for crew payroll payments, international remittances, money transfers, mobile tops-ups, payroll advances, and onboard expenses.

Thome vice president for the supply chain Peter Schellenberger said restrictions and safety issues brought about by the coronavirus pandemic shaped the group’s investment in digital payments. “The Covid-19 pandemic has markedly accelerated the need to switch to card and digital payments, as the industry moves away from the old-fashioned cash-to-master system and searches for more convenient digital solutions.”

“This is the first step for Thome in its aim to move towards the cashless vessel and I look forward to working with the team at ShipMoney to make this a reality,” said Mr Schellenberger.

ShipMoney president Stuart Ostrow said digital payment services were required as seafarers continue to struggle with isolation and extended working arrangements.

“We care deeply about the struggles seafarers face every day, which have been exacerbated by the current crew change crisis. Their wellbeing is our top priority and maritime payments for seafarers are our only focus. This enables us to devote 100% of our attention, resources, and expertise to helping crew and their employers,” he said.

Thome has also invested in a new full-mission navigation bridge simulator in the Philippines to provide training to support career development and improve seafarer competence at sea.

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