India is a key player in the global seafarer market, meeting the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals. To support this development, BSM is investing in high-quality certified training opportunities. At the beginning of the year, the new BSM Training Foundation, located in Kochi, has been launched. It is a Directorate General (DG) approved STCW training centre complying with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
Published on 13 May 2025
The international shipping industry is on a robust growth path. Current market conditions and a positive outlook across the shipping sectors have driven strong newbuilding activity and well-filled shipyard order books. According to forecasts, over 4,000 vessels are expected to be added to the world fleet by 2028. This development is also reflected in the increasing demand for highly qualified seafarers with specialized skills and onboard experience to crew the ships.
India is the fastest-growing seafarer source market
India is in an excellent position to make a significant contribution to meeting the growing demand for seafaring professionals. India's large and growing youthful population cements its status as a prime seafarer supply nation. According to the latest Manning Report by the renowned consultancy Drewry, the number of Indian seafarers grew by 25% between 2013 and 2023. India thus had the highest growth rate of all major seafaring nations.
“India has the potential to fill the seafarer supply gap for officers and ratings,” confirms Capt. Gurpreet Singh Ahluwalia, Group General Manager for Training and Development at BSM which operates six own state-of-the-art Maritime Training Centres, one of which is in India. “The country has long been a key market for BSM, both for ship management activities and as a source of new talent. It is highly populated with a high growth rate. We see excellent opportunities to promote a career at sea among young people.” The government recognises the importance of seafaring to the economy and offers high-level support for seafarer education and training.
In response to these positive market conditions, BSM has recently expanded its portfolio in India with newly launched BSM Training Foundation, a STCW training centre approved by the Directorate General of Shipping in India and located in Kochi. “We take great pride in offering a training programme that directly addresses seafarers and empowers them to grow and advance in their careers,” says Capt. Ahluwalia. “With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced trainers and a focus on practical, hands-on training, the BSM Training Foundation is committed to delivering the highest quality of knowledge and skill development for seafarers,” he continues.
The BSM Training Foundation represents a significant step in BSM’s commitment to expanding its training capabilities and providing top-class training to an increasing number of maritime professionals. Training is a key component of the company’s strategy to ensure seafarers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their profession.
The BSM Training Foundation programme comprises officially DG-approved courses for seafarers aimed at enhancing safety, promoting operational excellence and ensuring compliance with the latest maritime regulations. The facility in Kochi offers advanced training rooms, the latest technical equipment, an LNG simulator, a workshop and an outdoor area with realistic ship infrastructure.
The first courses been conducted in the state-of-the-art facility were very well received by participants. A captain who completed ‘The Basic Training for Ships using fuels covered within the IGF Code’ said, “I am truly impressed by the trainers' extensive knowledge and expertise. The great facility and infrastructure made the learning experience effective but also pleasant."
Capt. Gurpreet Singh Ahluwalia, Group General Manager for Training and Development at BSM
ContactCapt. Gurpreet Singh Ahluwalia, Group General Manager for Training and Development at BSM
E-mail the expert.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
Sebastian von Hardenberg, the newly appointed CEO of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), reflects on today’s challenges and reaffirms the company’s steadfast commitment to safe, high-quality and efficient ship management.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
Global greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations in shipping share a common goal — decarbonisation. But the path is far from simple. Multiple databases, reporting standards and evolving requirements are placing increasing pressure on ship owners. This article addresses the latest regulatory developments, including MEPC 83, the top three challenges for owners and how BSM is supporting clients every step of the way.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our sector’s ambitious target is by 2030 to reduce shipping’s carbon emissions by 40% from 2008 levels. Urgent action must be taken to meet these new goals. Ammonia is the only “carbon-free” marine fuel on the horizon, but there is considerable scepticism across the marine sector about the actual feasibility to use this product as fuel. BSM has considerable experience in handling bulk ammonia cargo, so we took the initiative to arrange a focussed one-day seminar to address and discuss these concerns.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
Over the past years, the maritime industry has seen a dramatic shift as software solutions and digital tools revolutionise how shipping operates. What was once a traditional, manual-driven sector is now leveraging cutting-edge technologies, optimising routes, improving fleet management, and ensuring real-time tracking like never before. One of the companies that has been involved in this turn of times is MariApps Marine Solutions.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
There is a lot of talk about declining interest in careers at sea and a projected shortfall of trained seafarers. The shipping industry must work to become more inclusive to have access to a wider and more diverse workforce. It is therefore important to expand both the nationalities and the proportion of women onboard.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
Get some insights into the construction progress of Schulte Group's first LCO2 tanker. This pioneering vessel, designed for the Northern Lights CCS project, marks a significant step in carbon capture and storage, offering new opportunities for the shipping industry.
13 May 2025 - BSM Highlights
Enhanced data-sharing driving regulatory compliance and maritime decarbonisation.
