Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has become the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s Seafarer Pledge, a new initiative focused on improving support and opportunities for seafarers.

The pledge recognizes the important role seafarers play in keeping countries connected through trade and travel while encouraging companies to invest in crew welfare, career development and future maritime talent.

For Fred. Olsen, the move builds on efforts already taking place across its fleet. The company recently introduced a dedicated Crew Welfare Officer position to help coordinate wellbeing programs for crew members and has continued to promote career growth from within.

Two examples are Captain Rommel Pineda and Captain Paolo Togonon. Pineda joined the company in 1996 as a deck boy and worked his way up to captain, while Togonon was recently promoted to Master after more than 15 years with the cruise line.

Fred. Olsen has also been working to inspire the next generation of seafarers. This year alone, more than 200 young people have visited the company’s ships and offices to learn about careers at sea and gain a better understanding of the maritime industry.

Leanna Lakes, Technical and Marine Operations Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said the company is proud to be the first cruise line to support the pledge and reaffirm its commitment to the people who make its operations possible.

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board welcomed the decision, saying the growing number of organizations joining the pledge shows increasing recognition of the need to improve support for seafarers across the industry.

Fred. Olsen's decision to become the first cruise line to sign the pledge sends a clear message that investing in seafarers is not only good for crews, but also for the future of the maritime sector itself.