This year has been a real challenge for the shipping world. Global preparation for IMO 2020 is now in full swing as the deadline approaches on 31st December 2019. At China Navigation Annual Safety Seminar 2019 in Odesa, held on August 21–22, Stuart Jones, Fleet Director, detailed in his opening address the steps already taken and the future plans for effective implementation of the IMO 2020 regulations across CNCo’s fleet. He also reported on new additions to the fleet, the company’s environmental performance, and global shipping risks.
Credit: The Maritime Telegraph
Stuart Jones further stated: “IMO 2020 is not the only environmental challenge CNCo faces. We are also working to reduce plastic water bottles. This is another step towards an eco-friendly future. Considering how much plastic accumulates in the world’s oceans and the cost of recycling, the company has proactively decided to install drinking water filters on every CNCo ship.”
The psychological and mental health of crew members was another key topic at the seminar. Jesmark Ramos, Head of Crewing, presented the measures CNCo has taken to prevent suicides and improve the mental well-being of its seafarers.
A workshop on the Safety Delta™ and Seagull Training platform was conducted by Samar Shahane, Safety & Training Manager, and Bjarke Jakobsen, Partner at Green-Jakobsen.
Debashis Sen, Fleet QA Manager & DPA, presented on how to translate the concepts of Safety I’s from workshops into the workplace to further strengthen the company’s safety culture.
Bogdan Zelensky, Founder and President of Alpha Navigation Crew Management, held a session on Leadership at Sea.
“Changing over from high sulphur to low sulphur fuel is, in my opinion, the greatest challenge facing the shipping industry in the near future,” commented Master Andriy Savchenko, Commodore of CNCo’s fleet.
Credit: The Maritime Telegraph
Master Savchenko joined CNCo as a Chief Officer in 2004, when the company had a smaller fleet and all crew members and office staff knew each other and their families personally. “A lot has changed over my 15 years with the company fleet. CNCo has expanded and become a true corporation! Both the number of ships and crew members have grown over the years. The one thing that has remained constant is the company’s commitment to meet (and even exceed) world standards. I noticed this many years ago: when our ship calls at a port, the crew can monitor the stevedores and other personnel interfacing with the ship, such as the mooring gang. We pay attention not only to the quality of their work but also to the quality of their personal protective equipment. CNCo’s motto is to be the best in the industry and to go beyond common standards. To me, this is a sign of a high-performing company, reflected in the technical condition of the ships and the care for the crew. Having worked at CNCo for a long time, you get accustomed to the best practices.”
The company’s family-oriented ethos has not diminished over time. CNCo continues to grow and nurture a pool of its own officers. Those familiar with the company’s policies and standards from the very start. To this end, the company has established a structured cadet training program, selecting aspirants of different nationalities to integrate with CNCo’s culture.
Year after year, the company keeps moving forward. Each Safety Seminar not only provides insights into technological advancements but also highlights changes in the fleet and the shipping industry. These seminars offer a perfect opportunity to engage with peers and office management, ask questions in an informal setting, and strengthen personal connections. CNCo strives to remain a close-knit, family-oriented company for its seafarers.
