CREWCONNECT Global returns to Manila with hundreds of local and international crewing experts and professionals discussing key trends impacting the global manning industry.

The three-day event kicked off Tuesday, November 21, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

CrewConnect Global is the world’s biggest manning conference that explores the latest trends impacting seafarers, including their mental health and well-being, technology, recruitment and retention, training at sea, and environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Nancy Karigithu, from the State Department for Shipping and Maritime, Kenya, opened the ceremony attended by hundreds of maritime stakeholders and experts.

Among the Filipino speakers for the event were Maria Antonia Loyzaga-Yulo, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Gerardo Borromei, CEO and vice president of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) Group; Iris Baguilat, president of Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) Inc. and founding member and trustee of Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) Maritime Group; Karen Avelino, senior vice president for Cruise Operations of PTC Inc.; Didoy Lubaton, medical director of the Nordic Medical Clinic; and Dan Tolentino, training manager of the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC).

“As the maritime sector goes through a defining era of evolution, particularly on its journey towards net-zero and accelerated technology adoption, the crewing industry finds itself facing new and unexpected challenges,” said Chris Morley, group director of Seatrade Maritime.

The conference at Seatrade Maritime CrewConnect Global has always provided the industry with the insight, expertise and essential strategies needed to overcome the current and future challenges of seafaring.

“As the event marks its 24th edition, we’re delighted to offer such a comprehensive and engaging program once again, which will be matched in quality by our panel of speakers,” continued Morley.

In addition to a packed program of shipping-focused talks, the agenda saw CruiseConnect Summit return.

On the morning of Tuesday, the summit brought together a carefully curated selection of sessions focused on the specifics of crewing, retention and training seafarers for cruise vessels.

“Demand for more cruise-focused content at CrewConnect Global has grown over recent years. Therefore, we are delighted to be able to provide focused sessions for those representing the crewing interests of this sector,” said Morley.