Pronav Ship Management: steering clear of a crew bidding war

Pronav is addressing the crew shortage with a strategy centered on retention, training, and recruitment. Mr Roolvink emphasises that its crew strategy revolves around these three pillars, with a priority on creating a safe and supportive work environment to maintain crew loyalty. He also highlights how the Schulte Group’s structure helps cultivate long-term relationships with employees and clients, aiding in workforce retention.

Pronav places a strong emphasis on operational integrity. According to Mr Roolvink, its focus remains on ensuring safe and efficient management of customer assets, and its operational success can be attributed to the dedication and skill of the crew, alongside continuous efforts to minimise environmental impact. Since 1998, Pronav-managed vessels have completed approximately 4,700 LNG cargo operations, operating with minimal disruptions while balancing cost-efficiency and safety.

The company takes pride in its high retention rates, which Mr Roolvink views as evidence of effective management. He highlights that the crew retention rate has consistently exceeded 90%, showing the strength of long-term personnel relationships, a critical advantage amid industry growth and crew shortages.

Training remains a cornerstone of Pronav’s approach. The company’s cadet programme plays a crucial role in helping junior officers become familiar with the operational systems, alongside conversion training for seafarers from other vessel types. Mr Roolvink notes that transitioning from LPG tankers to LNG vessels can take several years, which underscores the importance of planning ahead.

Recruitment continues to be a challenge, especially as Pronav diversifies its crew pool. According to Mr Roolvink, expanding recruitment to nationalities not typically involved in LNG crewing is becoming increasingly important. He predicts that the future of LNG crewing will rely on more multinational crews, as is already the case in other shipping sectors.

Despite these challenges, Mr Roolvink is optimistic. He observes a growing understanding in the industry that poaching seafarers is not a sustainable solution. Collaboration among ship owners and charterers, alongside investments in training programmes, is crucial to ensuring new vessels are adequately manned. "The best and safest systems in the world are ineffective in the hands of untrained users. Having well-prepared and well-trained seafarers aboard LNG carriers is paramount in upholding the required standards and ensuring safe operations," he said.

As the LNG fleet expands, Mr Roolvink believes that the industry must continue to prioritise crew training and development to avoid future bidding wars. "Safety always comes first in the LNG industry. Our industry should not shy away from the responsibility to invest in the people who will be in charge of these assets." He concludes: "In the end, the solution is simple: train and treat your crew well and avoid compromising where it matters most."