Reederei NSB has founded a new subsidiary with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) in Manila - Asia Marine Philippines as it moves towards the flagging-out of its fleet and laying-off of 486 German seafarers by 2017.

The new jv, offers the entire range of crew management for international clients, from recruitment and training of officers and crew to accounting and all other related commercial areas of crew management, under the motto “local dedication with global background”.

“Where would international shipping be today without Philippine seafarers?” asked German ambassador Thomas Ossowski, speaking at the event.

Frank-Uwe Schneider, md of Asia Marine Philippines, said: “We take pride in the foundation of the joint venture with CSM. From our base on the Philippines, we will make sure that our seafarers and our clients will receive the best crewing service and a secure employment within an environment of fairness and commitment. The satisfaction of seafarers and clients are at the centre of our work in Germany, Cyprus and on the Philippines.”

Headed up jointly by Schneider and CSM’s Frank Donath as md’s, Asia Marine Philippines’ 35 employees will manage 50 vessels and 1,000 seafarers. As well as ensuring vessels are staffed according to international requirements and regulations, the jv also provides software supplying crewing data of all seafarers.