Wallem Group Sets New Crew Transit Policy
The ship management firm now allows crews to opt out of transiting through high-risk conflict zones.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Human Resources
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Wallem Group has implemented a voluntary transit policy that grants its seafarers the right to refuse work on voyages passing through high-risk areas like the Red Sea. This change aims to improve worker safety in response to ongoing maritime security concerns.
Why it matters
The move addresses mounting safety concerns for crews operating in conflict zones such as the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. It also aligns with the firm's broader efforts to modernize workforce management as the industry shifts toward complex dual-fuel operations.
Wallem Group employs 6,600 seafarers, including 2,300 from the Philippines, to manage 160 technical and crew-managed vessels. The company has also certified 1,800 workers for its fleet of 20 dual-fuel ships.
The players
Wallem Group
This Singapore-headquartered firm is a 123-year-old provider of ship management and maritime services.
The details
The 123-year-old firm, headquartered in Singapore, is simultaneously expanding its technical training programs at its Manila facility to prepare staff for green energy vessels. These training upgrades support the maintenance of 20 dual-fuel ships currently in the company's portfolio.
Timeline
On October 27, 2026, the Wallem Group director provided these operational updates during an interview in Manila.
Market Landscape
This policy change follows a pattern set by industry responses to the ongoing Red Sea maritime security crisis. It shifts how firms balance crew welfare against global shipping operational demands in contested waters.
This policy ensures that individual seafarers have more agency over their personal safety when accepting specific voyage assignments. Clients and supply chain partners may see adjustments to scheduling and crew availability as the firm balances these new safety protocols.
The takeaway
Empowering workers to choose their routes in volatile regions reflects a growing industry focus on maritime safety. Operators should prepare for increased workforce demands as technical requirements for dual-fuel vessels continue to rise.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving industry standards in the Human Resources section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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