Ship management companies that operate specialised
pre-sea training institutes are few and far between, but they offer a point of
differentiation by providing shipowners with the assurance of a stable supply
of highly qualified seafarers to manage their vessels. When the entire officer
pool comes from the same reputable academy, the benefits are even greater. For
the first time in 15 years, an Anglo-Eastern managed vessel, the M.V. Federal
Clyde, is now manned entirely by officer graduates from the Anglo-Eastern
Maritime Academy (AEMA). This rare achievement within the industry showcases
the company’s commitment to training, which is bearing fruit, with an
ever-evolving ability to deliver strong performance on both technical and
crewing fronts.
Established in 2009 in Karjat, India, AEMA is committed
to educating and training future seafarers to the highest standards, ensuring a
steady supply of cadets for reliable ship management services. The
award-winning AEMA equips cadets with up-to-date industry knowledge,
operational skills, and soft skills. The institute’s advanced training
facilities include an expansive mechanical workshop and state-of-the-art
simulators, in addition to virtual reality and game-based e-learning. On the
people's side, the academy’s educators include experienced former masters and
chief engineers who remain actively engaged with the industry.
AEMA has trained a total of 5,935 cadets: 3,160 deck
cadets with a Diploma in Nautical Science, 2,240 Graduate Mechanical Engineers
(GMEs), and 535 Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) across 15 batches.
Having a full set of officers entirely from AEMA ensures
a consistent approach, high-quality skillset, and the ability to mobilise
quickly and align effectively during unforeseen circumstances at sea. This
milestone underscores Anglo-Eastern’s dedication to training maritime talent
and setting industry standards.
Anglo-Eastern's chairman, Peter Cremers, remarked, “This
achievement is a great moment for Anglo-Eastern as much as it is for me,
personally. Training was a central part of my vision when we set up AEMA all
those years ago. I believed then, and still believe now, that ship managers
like us have a responsibility towards developing the skills of our seafarers.
This ensures a certain quality standard in our industry and for our clients. I
only hope others will recognise this and invest as we have done.”
"At Fednav, we have supported the idea of
Anglo-Eastern's in-house academy from its inauguration. To be able to attract
outstanding talent and train them according to criteria far exceeding industry
standards, in line with our specific needs and requirements, and equipping
young professionals with outstanding knowledge, tools, and skills is an amazing
capacity which Anglo-Eastern has built. We are very excited to follow the
career progression of AEMA's alumni," commented Martin Krafft, vice
president fleet management at Fednav.
Tejinder P. S. Bhamra, principal of AEMA, added, “The
news of M.V. Federal Clyde manned by AEMA graduates fills us with joy and
pride. This milestone is the result of our tireless efforts
and reaffirms our commitment to producing world-class maritime
professionals.”
Capt. Danish Joseph expressed, “It is an honour to lead
the M.V. Federal Clyde team, forged from AEMA's esteemed classrooms. This
achievement reflects the academy’s dedication to excellence and the spirit of
its cadets. As we chart our course, we carry our alma mater's legacy, fuelled
by passion and camaraderie. Together, we will navigate challenges and triumphs,
inspiring future generations of AEMA. We are proud to demonstrate what
well-trained seafarers can achieve, and I am grateful for the support from
AEMA, Anglo-Eastern, and Fednav.”
A sustained, strategic, and thoughtful investment in
providing in-depth, quality, hands-on training through AEMA and its various
training centres has led to Anglo-Eastern's fulfilment of this significant
milestone, with this vessel expected to be the first of many to benefit from
these training initiatives. This achievement further encapsulates the company’s
commitment to shaping a better maritime future by nurturing its people and
communities.