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SYNERGY GROUP ROLLS OUT TAILOR-MADE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO FEMALE SEAFARERS ON 60+ VESSELS

Updated:
Nov 30, 2024
/
Published:
Mar 06, 2023

New Hercules Safety PPE was designed by textile engineers in conjunction with female seafarers and maritime safety experts

Synergy Group, one of the world’s leading ship managers with a diverse fleet of over 540 vessels, is rolling out a new tailor-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to its growing number of female seafarers.

Synergy, which employs over 20,000 seafarers, commissioned Hercules Safety to manufacture the new gear to the highest specifications. 

The PPE was designed by textile engineers in conjunction with female seafarers and maritime safety experts to ensure that the final cut maximised comfort and versatility for crew deployed in a maritime work environment where the highest standards of protection are required. 

The material consists of 100% soft and durable cotton, with seams reinforced in high stress areas to ensure both safety and comfort over extended periods of time. The PPE is also highly visible with 3M reflective strips designed to maximise visibility in all maritime working environments.

The new Hercules Safety PPE is currently being distributed to all female crew as port rotations allow. The roll-out takes in on over 60 Synergy-managed vessels worldwide on which female seafarers are currently deployed.

Captain Radhika Menon, winner of the 2016 International Maritime Organization award for exceptional bravery at sea and a mentor to Synergy’s young female seafarers, said: “These new coveralls are a great fit and super-functional: breathable, weatherproof, lightweight and comfortable. The fabric is suitable and protective for the bridge and for the engine room where it gets hot. It’s also resilient, just like our seafarers; a quality we are happy to celebrate as International Women’s Day draws near. This new PPE enhances safety which is always Synergy’s priority.”

Chief Officer Reshma Murkar said the commission of the new PPE sent a positive message about equality to the maritime community. “To be 100% work fit, we need the best fit, and that is what we have now,” she added. “These new PPE designs represent a clear commitment to supporting the role of women in shipping and illustrate why Synergy is making so much ground in its efforts to attract more women to our marvellous industry.”

Third Officer Noopur Mohire said that many seafarer products were designed with men in mind, rendering them ill-fitting for women. “Synergy prioritises crew safety and this new PPE clearly offers that,” she added. “But it’s also very comfortable to wear and I’m glad female seafarers were consulted during the design process by Hercules Safety. I’ve got plenty of pockets to carry my tools, but not too many that they are a hazard. I can move around easily, and I’ve got protection when I’m on deck conducting duties.”

Synergy’s progressive policies on diversity, inclusivity and equality have enabled women employed by Synergy, as well as the company itself, to grow and prosper. Synergy’s commitment to encouraging women to become seafarers now includes its own Chakra Scholarship which enables 14-15 years old students to begin training to join the maritime industry. 

Synergy’s CSR team is also active at major maritime outreach events in India with Chennai-based SEVALAYA and a municipal school run by Muktangan in Mumbai amongst its NGO partners.

Captain HS Swaminathan, COO Crew Management of Synergy Group, commented: “We’ve been expanding the number of women in the Synergy ranks at sea and ashore for many years as part of our diversity, equality and inclusivity programmes. We want them to feel at home and safe in their place of work. Making sure they have comfortable, well-designed and PPE designed to the highest safety and functional standards is, of course, a foundational, but critical, part of that process.” 

About Synergy Group

Headquartered in Singapore, Synergy’s hallmarks are its through-life approach to asset management and ability to develop custom-designed thought partnership strategies with leading owners. Spanning across a network of 22 offices in 13 countries and employing more than 21,000 seafarers, Synergy manages a fleet of over 540 vessels including the most complex LNG (including FSUs), LPG and vast 20,000+ TEU container ships, as well as oil and chemical tankers, car carriers and bulk carriers. With a strong focus on crew wellbeing, digitalisation and environmentally responsible policies, Synergy is at the forefront of transforming the ship management industry.

For more information visit synergymarinegroup.com

Media contact

Vishal Srivastava
Group Head – Corporate Communications
+918754536564
vishal.s@synergyship.com

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Getting to Zero

Synergy Marine Group is a member of The Getting to Zero Coalition, dedicated to launching zero-emission deep-sea vessels by 2030 and achieving full decarbonisation by 2050. The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, founded and manages the Coalition.

MACN

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global initiative striving for a corruption-free maritime industry, promoting fair trade for the greater societal good.

INTERCARGO

Synergy Marine Group is a part of INTERCARGO, an association championing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly shipping. INTERCARGO collaborates with the International Maritime Organization and other global entities to shape maritime legislation.

IMEC

Synergy Marine Group is part of IMEC, a top maritime employers’ group championing fair and sustainable labor practices. Representing global employers, IMEC negotiates seafarers’ wages and conditions, and invests in workforce development.

IMPA

Synergy Marine Group is involved in IMPA Save’s initiative to reduce single-use water bottles at sea. The IMPA SAVE council comprises top global shipowners and suppliers, representing over 8000 vessels with significant combined purchasing influence.

All Aboard

Synergy Marine Group is a key participant in The All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea initiative. As one of eleven prominent maritime companies, we aim to foster inclusivity at sea and directly address challenges faced by women seafarers.

CSSF

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF), a global B2B network dedicated to enhancing safety and management standards in the container shipping sector.

Danish Shipping

Synergy Marine Group is affiliated with Danske Rederier, the primary industry and employers’ association for Danish shipping—Denmark’s top export sector. Danske Rederier actively engages with authorities and policymakers both domestically and globally.