Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) takes a major step in expanding Global presence

ATHENS : Dr. N. Reuben Paul, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India), met with Indian Ambassador Shri Rudrendra Tandon at the Indian Embassy in Athens, Greece, and leading shipowners in Greece to advance the Board’s mission of supporting Indian seafarers worldwide.

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) has signed an agreement with the Global Seafarers Organisation as part of its efforts to expand its presence across global ports. This collaboration highlights MNWB’s dedication to the well-being and professional growth of Indian seafarers globally.

As part of MNWB’s initiative to appoint International Coordinators to oversee the welfare of Indian seafarers across global ports, Dr. N. Reuben Paul had the privilege of meeting with the Honourable Indian Ambassador Shri Rudrendra Tandon at the Indian Embassy in Athens, Greece. This official courtesy meeting, was highly productive and covered several critical topics, including:

• The appointment of MNWB representatives in Greece and European ports.
• Strengthening collaboration between Indian and Greek shipping corporations.
• Enhancing the welfare of Indian seafarers in Greece and other European ports.
• Creating increased employment opportunities for Indian seafarers in the Greek shipping market.

Indian Ambassador Shri Rudrendra Tandon provided valuable suggestions on improving the quality of maritime training to attract reputed Greek shipowners to employ Indian seafarers. He assured the Indian Embassy’s full cooperation and support for improving Indian seafarers’ welfare. They discussed strategies to enhance the quality of Indian seafarers’ welfare, training and their employment opportunities in the global shipping market.

Meeting with Leading Greece Shipowners and Maritime Experts in Greece

During his visit to Greece, Dr. N. Reuben Paul held meetings with several reputed shipowners and leading shipping companies. These discussions focused on key issues related to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and various Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) applicable to their multinational crews. As an expert Committee member of the Director General of Shipping’s CBA Expert Committee, Government of India, Dr. N. Reuben Paul reviewed existing CBAs and engaged with shipowners and management companies on the quality of maritime training and recruitment practices in various countries. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the skill sets of Indian seafarers to meet global standards.

Dr. N. Reuben Paul expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of his visit, noting that many shipowners agreed to recruit Indian seafarers to strengthen their global maritime workforce. Several shipowners also expressed interest in onboarding trainees and cadets to address the future shortage of officers and engineers.

The meetings concluded on a highly positive note, with a shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the shipping communities of India and Greece.