The Columbia Group  has opened a new manning agency, Columbia Shipmanagement Vietnam , adding to its worldwide network of owned manning agencies.

The establishment of CSM Vietnam satisfies Columbia’s long-standing ambition to tap into the developing Vietnam seafarers’ market with direct access. Whilst CSM has been employing Vietnam seafarers for years via third-party arrangements, possessing its own manning agency in Vietnam for this purpose marks a crucial step for Columbia’s far-reaching initiatives in Vietnam and Asia, more generally.

Through the provision of manning solutions in Vietnam, Columbia strengthens its unwavering commitment to invest in people and attract the best talent locally, whilst simultaneously expanding its global presence and continuing to provide high-level support to Columbia’s rapidly diversified crew, as well as the evolving employment demands of its clients. CSM Vietnam is another important step on Columbia’s ‘march eastwards’ and echoes the growth ambitions of the Group in general.

Vietnam boasts a wealth of developments and investments in the maritime sector with a fleet that has doubled since 2005. Its strong domestic demand and exports have resulted in promising gains in employment, income, and confidence, contributing to Vietnam’s predicted growth and thriving maritime ecosystem. This local presence offers an opportunity for Columbia to build on and consolidate a loyal and highly qualified crew pool, enabling greater emphasis on training and career development.

Speaking about Columbia’s recent expansion, Mark O’Neil, President and CEO of Columbia Group, said::“Our people are our greatest asset. Our clients demand the best and most experienced seafarers, and we listen to them accordingly. 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. Through this venture, Columbia can further deliver on its unwavering commitment of being the leading maritime services provider worldwide.

He added: “We are tremendously excited to work with strong Vietnamese seafarers who share our vision.”