Fleet Management Limited (Fleet Management) has issued a powerful global call to action for the greater recognition and protection of seafarers—the “silent professionals” keeping global supply chains moving.
Alongside this advocacy, the company announced the launch of Pulse, a comprehensive new seafarer mobile application designed to provide continuous, practical support, administrative relief, and 24/7 health resources to its crews at sea and on leave.
As maritime tensions begin to ease across critical corridors like the Strait of Hormuz, Fleet Management is backing renewed multilateral efforts to address a troubling global pattern: civilian seafarers being repeatedly exposed to geopolitical conflict.
Echoing the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2026 theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” Fleet Management emphasizes that seafarers are increasingly placed on the frontlines of geopolitical disruptions to ensure the steady flow of essential fuel, food, and goods. Since February, an estimated 20,000 civilian seafarers—including approximately 600 under Fleet Management’s direct care—have navigated these volatile waters daily, often remaining at anchorage for extended periods until conditions stabilize.
“Countries, industries and communities rely on seafarers to keep essential goods flowing,” said Dr. Harry Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group and Fleet Management Limited. “Waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are key arteries of the global economy. When disrupted, the impact is immediate. Today is a reminder that the industry and governments must act decisively to uphold safe and free navigation, so seafarers can sail with confidence.”
Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Management Limited, added: “As a company, and as an industry, we have a responsibility to speak up. Seafarers are civilians… This must not become the new normal. They must be seen, heard and properly protected. We are encouraged by the IMO-led evacuation efforts underway to restore safe transit, and hope confidence will soon rebuild.”
Fleet Management employs a rigorous, vessel-by-vessel risk matrix before resuming any transit in high-risk environments. Backed by 24/7 situational monitoring, the company prioritizes ship-to-shore connectivity and crew well-being to ensure every movement is deliberate, controlled, and grounded in safety. Through its comprehensive Fleet Care initiative, the company offers:
-
24/7 Mental Health Support and tailored wellbeing programs.
-
Nutritional Excellence, serving one million balanced meals across the fleet annually.
-
Industry-Leading Insurance protecting crews both at sea and while on leave.
To translate recognition into daily, tangible support, Fleet Management has officially launched Pulse, a digital lifeline for its 27,000-strong seafaring community.
“Recognition has to translate into action. Not once a year, but every day,” said Angad Banga, Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group and Executive Director of Fleet Management Limited. “That means understanding the pressures our seafarers operate under, and responding with consistent, practical support.”
Key features of the Pulse App:
-
Administrative Relief: Simplifies life at sea by centralizing documentation and corporate updates into a single digital hub.
-
24/7 Care Access: Provides instantaneous, around-the-clock access to physical and mental health support via Fleet Care.
-
Continuous Connectivity: Ensures seafarers remain connected to vital resources and company networks whether onboard or on leave.
Because over 80 percent of global trade travels by sea, the daily challenges seafarers manage often remain invisible to the public. To change this narrative, Fleet Management has rolled out multi-city public awareness campaigns across major global markets this week.
Simultaneously, Fleet Management’s crewing offices in India, the Philippines, and China have launched targeted community engagement initiatives, including the Fleet Care Family Outreach Programme, delivering vital health and wellness support to seafarers’ families back home.
To sustain this resilient workforce, Fleet Management continues to heavily invest in maritime education, issuing over 80,000 training certificates annually and training 500 cadets each year at the International Maritime Institute (IMI).
