Maersk to hire SA’s cadets for its fleet

A.P. Moller – Maersk, the world’s leading shipping company with 280 fully-owned container vessels and a workforce of 12,500 seafarers, has announced that South Africa has been selected as a high-potential crew sourcing destination. The decision was made following a comprehensive review process that took into account a number of key factors, including the country’s maritime legacy, the availability of high-quality seafarers, and its favorable geographical location, among others.

As part of the initiative, South African cadets from the National Seafarer Development Program will be given the opportunity to join the Maersk fleet. The first cadets are expected to start their tenure with the company in the second quarter of 2023.

Niels Bruus, Head of Marine HR at A.P. Moller – Maersk, emphasized the importance of having a geographically diverse pool of seafarers and said, “South Africa is a natural choice due to its maritime legacy and the number of high-quality South African seafarers currently employed in Maersk’s global container vessel fleet, many of whom hold senior positions in our crews.”

The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), established by the A.P. Moller – Maersk Foundation, will play a crucial role in the initiative by managing the Maersk South Africa Cadet Program. SAMTRA is a leading provider of talent for the South African National Seafarer Development Program and offers a range of simulation-based skills development courses.

The A.P. Moller – Maersk Group is an integrated logistics company working to simplify its customers’ supply chains. With operations in 130 countries, the company is a global leader in shipping services and is committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2040 through the use of new technologies, new vessels, and alternative fuels. The company’s partnership with the South African Maritime Training Academy and the National Seafarer Development Program is part of its efforts to cultivate a diverse pool of skilled seafarers and support the growth of the maritime industry in South Africa.