Shipmanangement giant Columbia Group has opened a new manning agency in Vietnam (CSM Vietnam), adding to its global network of owned agencies.
Columbia has been employing Vietnam seafarers for years via third-party arrangements and the latest move will allow the company to tap into the developing seafarers’ market with direct access.
Possessing its own crewing agency in Vietnam marks a crucial step for Columbia’s far-reaching initiatives in Vietnam and Asia, more generally, the company noted, adding that CSM Vietnam was “another important step on its ‘march eastwards’ and echoes the growth ambitions of the Group in general”.
“With a developed and diversified maritime industry, the expansion into Vietnam was a natural step for Columbia to take and invest in creating employment for its people and a general interest in a career at sea,” said Mark O’Neil, president and CEO of Columbia Group.
Columbia said its local presence offers an opportunity to build on and consolidate a qualified crew pool, enabling greater emphasis on training and career development.
The company has observed Vietnam’s fleet doubling since 2005 and that its strong domestic demand and exports have resulted in promising gains in employment, income, and confidence, contributing to the country’s predicted growth and thriving maritime ecosystem.
