Hong-Kong based shipping conglomerate and one of the largest employers of Indian seafarers, Anglo-Eastern continues to coordinate safety measures though its dedicated ‘Global security Desk’ for safety and security of its seafarers and specialized cargo ships transiting through the high-risk regions such as the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most important oil and cargo shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is expected to remain disrupted for many more months as 80 to 100 sea mines blocking this main international shipping route still need to be cleared as stated recently by Norway-headquartered International Association of Independent Tanker Owners. The main central route of the Strait of Hormuz is still mined and remains closed. Ships have been using the smaller northern route, which goes through Iranian waters, and the southern route, which goes through Omani waters.

In such a volatile scenario, Anglo-Eastern’s Global Security Desk functions round-the-clock through its structured intelligence and decision-support framework to safeguard the welfare of all seafarers working aboard its managed fleet of cargo ships. Swapnodeep Mondal, Group Managing Director, Operations and Shared Services at Anglo-Eastern, said: “What the current environment demands is not more information merely, but better interpretation of available information and also an ability to place intelligence in context, compare it across the fleet, assess it against a specific vessel and thereafter translate it into practical and timely guidance.” Mondal added that since the beginning of Strait of Hormuz crisis, Anglo-Eastern’s Global Security Desk has continued a structured daily routine by maintaining direct communication with the cargo ships to ensure safety and security of seafarers. Anglo-Eastern continues to combine reports from its own managed fleet with intelligence inputs from naval authorities and private maritime security providers. As one example, Anglo-Eastern instructed seafarers to switch off their GPS location functions on personal mobile phones because the signals could potentially expose locations of cargo ships in the Persian Gulf and surrounding region. “We focus heavily on maintaining morale, psychological support and communication with seafarers. Our highly skilled seafarers are often given operational instructions and geopolitical explanations to reduce confusion and anxiety,” he added.

Out of over 40,000 total seafarers employed globally by Anglo-Eastern, Indians make up the single largest nationality. For the past 39 years, Anglo-Eastern’s India-based operations have played a pivotal role in education and training of Indian students, who wish to become world-class merchant navy officers. With 70 per cent of seafarers of Anglo-Eastern being promoted in-house and a 95 per cent overall retention rate over the last six years, the company believes in the benefits of investing in its human resources.