The authorities in Shanghai on Dec 10 issued a qualification certificate to London-based shipping management and maritime services company V.Group's newly established branch in the city, allowing it to recruit and dispatch Chinese seamen to go on international voyages.

The newly registered company, Weishi Shipping Development (Shanghai) Ltd, will settle in the Lin-gang Special Area.

One of its executives, Wu Su, said that with the qualification, it would provide services for the whole life cycle of the crews in accordance with the international crew training system.

It will also provide more opportunities and convenience in the employment, promotions, technical improvements, career transformation, family care and other aspects for the crews.

The Shanghai branch of V.Group – the UK company which is a global leader in ship management and marine services – has employed more than 2,000 Chinese crew members.

Previously, it hired Chinese crew through a third-party agency every year. This not only reduced the efficiency of recruitment, but was also found not to be conducive to the company's training of high-quality crew in line with international standards.

It is expected that the certificate will boost the company's revenue and help build a high-standard pool of sailors. It is also expected to benefit Chinese seafarers by expanding their labor market.

The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration and the Lin-gang Special Area Administration assisted in the move by Weishi Shipping Development to the zone. They arranged for service specialists to contact the company and provide door-to-door assistance, providing professional advice on policies.

Shanghai Yuping Marine Service Ltd, a private company registered in the Lin-gang Special Area, also recently received the qualification to hire and dispatch Chinese seafarers.

The Lin-gang Special Area is reportedly expanding its ship management and marine services with Shanghai MSA, striving to build an international shipping center in Shanghai.

Weishi Shipping Development (Shanghai) Ltd obtains a key qualification certificate which allows it to recruit and dispatch Chinese seamen for international voyages. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]