Fred. Olsen Becomes First Cruise Line to Sign Seafarer Pledge

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that it is the first company line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s (MNWB) Seafarer Pledge. This move reinforces its long-standing focus on crew wellbeing, career development, and the future of maritime talent.

The Seafarer Pledge is jointly funded by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Trinity House and the Merchant Navy Association. It aims to improve standards for seafarers, who underpin global trade.

Leanna Lakes, technical and marine operations director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, emphasized the importance of crew wellbeing and career development. She stated that the company is proud to be the first cruise line to sign the Seafarer Pledge and to stand alongside organizations across the maritime industry in recognizing the vital role seafarers play every day.

By becoming a signatory, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the wellbeing, development, and career opportunities of those who make its journeys possible. The company aims to create a safer, fairer, and more supportive maritime industry for generations to come.

Sharon Coveney, deputy CEO of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, welcomed Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as a signatory to the pledge. She noted that over 80 organizations have signed up to the pledge, demonstrating a growing recognition across the maritime sector that we all have a role to play in improving standards for our seafarers.

As a signatory, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has pledged to take practical action to support career progression, ease transitions between sea and shore-based roles, recognize maritime skills and experience, and inspire future generations to consider careers at sea.

The company has also taken steps to support its crew wellbeing initiatives. This year, it introduced a dedicated Crew Welfare Officer role to coordinate wellbeing initiatives across its fleet. In addition, it welcomed more than 200 young people aboard its ships and into its shoreside offices for educational visits and hands-on experiences.

## Supporting Crew Wellbeing and Career Development

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is committed to supporting the wellbeing, development, and career opportunities of its crew. As a signatory to the Seafarer Pledge, the company is reaffirming its commitment to creating a safer, fairer, and more supportive maritime industry for generations to come.

## Practical Action to Support Seafarers

As a signatory to the Seafarer Pledge, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has pledged to take practical action to support career progression, ease transitions between sea and shore-based roles, recognize maritime skills and experience, and inspire future generations to consider careers at sea.

## Conclusion

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has become the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s (MNWB) Seafarer Pledge. This move demonstrates its commitment to crew wellbeing, career development, and the future of maritime talent. By taking practical action to support seafarers, the company is creating a safer, fairer, and more supportive maritime industry for generations to come.