For BCS Group, one truth stands above all: shipping only works because of the people at its heart – the seafarers. With this conviction, the Dutch-founded crew change specialist is strengthening its global presence and will mark the occasion with a Sunset Gathering in Limassol, taking place alongside Maritime Cyprus 2025.

On Tuesday, 7 October 2025, BCS will welcome partners, colleagues, and maritime friends to Malindi Beach Bar & Restaurant for an evening dedicated to connection, collaboration, and community. The gathering reflects the company’s philosophy that shipping is not just about vessels or cargo, but about ensuring that those who operate them feel supported every step of the way.

When a seafarer arrives in a new city – often tired, sometimes alone – small uncertainties can become big challenges: Who meets me? How do I reach my hotel? Will my visa be ready? BCS’ mission is to ensure that these questions never arise. The company positions itself precisely at this critical point between shore and ship, providing seamless transitions that leave no room for doubt.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, BCS supports crew changes across all ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, managing everything from entry visas and medical services to hotel bookings and transport. Its approach is built on anticipation: every risk, every contingency, every detail is considered in advance, so clients and crews can move without disruption.

To deliver on this promise globally, BCS established its first Visa Expert Center in Manila, which over the past year has become a trusted hub for efficient visa processing and local support. Building on this success, the company has now opened its second Visa Expert Center in Mumbai, India – a strategic base to serve one of the world’s fastest-growing seafaring nations.

“India already supplies a significant share of global seafarers, and this number will continue to grow,” says Country Manager Jelle Kranendonk. “Our new center in Mumbai underlines our commitment to supporting Indian maritime professionals and ensuring efficient, reliable solutions for shipowners and managers.”

The choice of India comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. With an 8.5% shortage of qualified officers today – expected to reach 10% by 2030 – shipowners are looking increasingly towards India’s well-regarded training institutions to help close the gap. Some forecasts suggest that within the next decade, India could supply even more crews than the Philippines. By establishing a base in Mumbai, BCS ensures it can meet this demand with local expertise and a physical presence to resolve challenges directly.

While Maritime Cyprus 2025 will focus on Unlocking the Future of Shipping, BCS will host its own Sunset Gathering in Limassol alongside the international event. The gathering is designed not only as a celebration, but also as an opportunity to connect with partners and exchange ideas on how the maritime community can better support seafarers in the years ahead

Registration for the BCS Sunset Gathering on 7 October is available here