The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) issued the first Qualification Certificate for Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service in Lin-gang Special Area to Shanghai CMA CGM International Ship Management Co Ltd on Nov 19.

The company is the first wholly foreign-owned enterprise in Shanghai to be granted the authority to recruit and place sailors.

The company can now directly dispatch sailors, which will save hundreds of thousands of yuan every year. It can also provide more employment opportunities for Chinese sailors.

The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, Lin-gang Special Area Administration, and Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission have brought in a number of shipping companies since the establishment of Lin-gang. For sailor assignment agencies that are registered or located in Lin-gang, application and approval will be carried out in Lin-gang rather than at the administrative center of the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration.

Shanghai CMA CGM International Ship Management began operating in Lin-gang Special Area on July 24 this year. Shortly after, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration contacted the company, arranged for personnel to help it prepare application materials, offered policy guidance, and helped it deal with other issues. The entire process took only four working days, as opposed to the previous 20 working days.

The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration issues the first Qualification Certificate for Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service in Lin-gang Special Area to Shanghai CMA CGM International Ship Management Co Ltd on Nov 19. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration processes the application for the Qualification Certificate for Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service of Shanghai CMA CGM International Ship Management Co Ltd. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]