Maren Moxom, Chief Financial Officer of the Wallem Group, is delighted to share her story and experiences with the maritime community. Having joined the company in 2020, she has brought a wealth of expertise from her previous roles with global companies such as Schneider Electric and Raytheon, where she worked in engineering and environments.
As a wife and mother of three, Maren is a dedicated individual who balances her personal and professional life with ease. She is passionate about her work and enjoys the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the maritime industry, which she believes is at the heartbeat of society, closely tied to global trade, politics, and geopolitical issues.
In her free time, Maren is an avid hiker, traveller, and reader, and she values her relationships with her family and friends. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes spending time with her children, aged six, eight, and twelve. Her personal motto, Carpe Diem – seize the day and make the most of every opportunity – reflects her approach to life and work. As a leader in the maritime industry, Maren is committed to duty of care, investing in human capital, and promoting seafarer wellbeing.
Her conversation with Miss Delphine Estibeiro from Marex Media offers a glimpse into her personality, values, and dedication to making a positive impact in the industry.
Wallem’s Commitment to Duty of Care…
Absolutely, Wallem is a service company that recognizes the vital importance of its people, both on shore and at sea. As a leading employer of seafarers, the company acknowledges that its seafarers are the backbone of the entire shipping industry and global trade. Therefore, ensuring the safety, well-being, and duty of care for its seafarers is of paramount importance. To achieve this, Wallem has implemented various initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of its seafarers.
One notable example is the company’s renowned training initiative, which partners with industry institutions to provide world-class training platforms for its seafarers. This initiative is complemented by a strong emphasis on mental well-being, physical fitness, and overall wellness. To support this, Wallem has launched various campaigns both on shore and on board its vessels. Each vessel is equipped with a “Wellness at Sea” programme, which includes two designated champions on board who are accessible to seafarers.
Additionally, seafarers can also reach out to male or female champions on shore for support, ensuring that they have a comprehensive network of resources to promote their mental and physical well-being. By prioritizing the welfare of its seafarers, Wallem demonstrates its dedication to being a responsible and caring employer in the shipping industry.
Creating a Seafarer-Centric Culture…
As a business leader, I firmly believe that seafarers are the backbone of our company and the shipping industry as a whole. At Wallem, we view seafarers as our internal customers, and it is our responsibility to prioritize their safety, well-being, and career development. This means being available to listen to their concerns, empathize with their challenges, and empower them to grow professionally. By taking a customer-centric approach to our internal stakeholders, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment that drives success for our company and our clients.
Our company values are deeply rooted in this philosophy, and they serve as the foundation for our overall strategy and decision-making process. As a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure that all members of our leadership team understand and embody these values, and that they are reflected in every investment choice and decision we make. By putting our seafarers first and prioritizing their needs, we can build a loyal and motivated workforce that is equipped to drive our company’s success and navigate the challenges of the shipping industry. By living our values and leading by example, we can create a positive and productive work culture that benefits everyone involved.
Measuring Success in Seafarer Retention and Well-being…
At Wallem, we take great pride in our high crew retention rate, which exceeds 90%. However, we recognize that retention is just one aspect of ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our seafarers. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of their needs and concerns, we conduct quarterly welfare surveys that allow them to provide feedback anonymously or with their name included. This feedback loop is crucial in addressing any issues or concerns they may have, and we ensure that each response is followed up with a one-to-one discussion to provide support and resolution.
In addition to our survey, we prioritize providing our seafarers with the tools and resources they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being while at sea. Every vessel is equipped with complimentary internet access, enabling them to stay connected with their loved ones back home. We also invest heavily in renowned training programs that focus on safety, work and rest hours, and overall well-being. Our vessels are stocked with high-quality food to support healthy diets, and many are equipped with modern gyms to promote physical fitness. Furthermore, we run regular campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.
By tracking the career progression of our officers, from cadet level to senior ranks, we can identify areas for development and provide opportunities for growth and advancement, both on board and on shore. This holistic approach to seafarer retention and well-being has contributed to our high retention rates and reinforces our commitment to being a responsible and caring employer in the shipping industry.
Success Stories and Industry Recognition…
The campaigns and initiatives implemented by Wallem have been extremely well-received by both the organization and its seafarers. The numbers clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of these efforts, with a significant increase in attracting cadets to the industry and a remarkably high retention rate. The industry as a whole recognizes Wallem’s reputation for excellence in this area. It’s not uncommon for individuals in the industry to approach and share their personal experiences of having risen through the ranks while sailing with Wallem, which serves as a testament to the company’s success.
The success of Wallem’s initiatives can be measured in several ways. Firstly, the high retention rate is a clear indicator of the company’s ability to create a positive and supportive work environment. Secondly, the fact that many seafarers choose to continue their careers with Wallem after coming ashore is a testament to the company’s commitment to their development and well-being. Additionally, the willingness of seafarers to take on safety duties, such as becoming champions on ships, demonstrates a sense of ownership and responsibility among the crew. This is a significant achievement, as it shows that the company’s initiatives are not only being implemented but also embraced by its employees. Overall, these successes demonstrate the effectiveness of Wallem’s approach to supporting its seafarers and contributing to the overall well-being of the industry.
Supporting Seafarer Well-being…
At Wallem, we recognize the importance of equipping our seafarers with the skills and resources needed to manage stress and maintain their well-being while at sea. To achieve this, we have implemented a range of initiatives, including comprehensive training programs that focus on recognizing and coping with stress, as well as managing work and rest hours. Additionally, we conduct regular surveys to gather confidential feedback from our seafarers, providing them with a safe and anonymous platform to express their concerns. Our vessels are also staffed with mental health champions who are available to provide support and guidance, and we offer 24-7 access to medical support via radio, including access to a psychiatrist if needed.
Our training programs are designed to prepare our seafarers for the challenges of working on modern ships, including those with alternative fuel systems and digital technologies. We recognize that the introduction of new systems and technologies can be a source of stress for our crew, and so we place a strong emphasis on providing them with the training and support they need to feel confident and empowered. This includes training on dual fuel systems, LNG, and digital ships, as well as programs to help them adapt to the changing needs of the industry. By investing in our crew’s training and development, we are able to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of their role, and that they feel valued and supported. This, in turn, enables us to provide our clients with the high level of service and assurance they expect from us. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the needs of our crew, we are able to maintain a safe, confident, and competent team that is capable of delivering exceptional results.
Investing in Human Capital…
At the heart of our business lies a fundamental understanding that our people are our greatest assets. As a company, we recognize that our human capital is the driving force behind our success, and it is essential that we prioritize the well-being and development of our crew. By taking a customer-centric approach to our internal stakeholders, we acknowledge that our crew members are not just employees, but rather our internal customers who deserve to be listened to, supported, and nurtured. This means providing them with access to confidential mental health support, healthy food options, opportunities for physical exercise, and reliable internet connections to stay in touch with their loved ones. As we strive to deliver exceptional service to our clients, we must remember that we are not just selling a product or a service, but rather the expertise, skills, and dedication of our people. By prioritizing the needs of our internal customers, we can build a loyal and motivated team that drives our business forward and sets us apart in the shipping industry.
Measuring Success and Ensuring Accountability in Seafarer Development…
To evaluate the effectiveness of our seafarer development programs, we track a range of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. These include the success of our cadet program, crew retention rates, and the career progression of our seafarers. We monitor the number of cadets who are promotable to each rank, as well as those who transition to shore-based roles. Additionally, we track the progress of our established training programs to ensure that they are meeting their intended objectives. By monitoring these KPIs and metrics, we can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize our seafarer development initiatives.
Accountability is a critical component of our seafarer development strategy. We have established clear roles and responsibilities within the company, with each department and individual understanding their part in supporting the growth and well-being of our seafarers. The learning and development department is responsible for identifying promotable candidates and creating tailored training programs. Our training centres work closely with institutions to ensure that our training programs are relevant and effective. Meanwhile, our crew management team is accountable for overseeing the overall development of our seafarers. By building accountability into every role, we can ensure that everyone is working together to support the success of our seafarers and uphold our duty of care to them. This integrated approach enables us to provide a comprehensive and supportive environment that fosters the growth and development of our seafarers.
Navigating Risk and Opportunity…
The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with voyages becoming shorter and more frequent, leading to increased fatigue among seafarers. The management of work and rest hours is a critical aspect of mitigating this fatigue, and it remains a top priority for us. However, seafarers are facing a multitude of challenges that extend beyond the physical demands of their job. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and risks associated with navigating high-risk zones are all taking a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the introduction of new fuel vessels and technologies is requiring seafarers to adapt to new systems and procedures, adding to their stress and workload.
In response to these challenges, we are committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our seafarers. Whenever possible, we will explore alternative trade routes to avoid high-risk zones. However, if it is necessary to navigate these zones, we will take a proactive and transparent approach. We will inform our crew members of the potential risks and give them the option to join or not join the voyage. In addition, we will work closely with ship owners to develop and implement customized protocols and measures to ensure the safety and security of our seafarers. This may involve providing additional training, support, and resources to help them navigate these complex and challenging situations.
Minimizing Risk…
I’d like to elaborate on our approach to navigating pirate-infested zones. Our primary stance is to avoid sending our vessels and crew into these high-risk areas whenever possible, opting for alternative routes instead. However, if such routes are unavoidable, we work closely with our clients on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety of our crew. We maintain open communication with our crew, informing them of the potential risks and collaborating with them to implement enhanced safety protocols. These measures may include deploying armed guards on board, hardening our vessels, notifying relevant authorities, and utilizing advanced vessel tracking systems. Our goal is to minimize the risks associated with pirate zones, and we explore every available option to protect our crew. Ultimately, our top priority is the safety of our crew, and we will only navigate pirate-prone waters if absolutely necessary, with robust safety measures in place.
Prioritizing Seafarer Welfare…
As we strive to establish ourselves as a preferred employer in the maritime sector, I firmly believe that prioritizing the wellbeing of our seafarers is a crucial aspect of our strategy. By adopting best-in-class practices and embracing a culture of care, we can differentiate ourselves from others and demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our crew members. I strongly encourage the entire maritime community to follow suit, recognizing that the protection and support of seafarers is essential to the smooth operation of global trade and the shipping industry as a whole. Ultimately, the wellbeing of our seafarers is vital to our collective success, and it is our responsibility to make it a top priority.
Recognizing the Vital Role of Seafarers…
I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to seafarers around the world for their tireless efforts in keeping global trade afloat. Despite being the backbone of international commerce, they often go unappreciated and unrecognized for their sacrifices. I am in awe of their resilience and adaptability, as well as that of their families who support them from behind the scenes. My message to seafarers is one of heartfelt appreciation and admiration. Your service is invaluable to us, our clients, and the global economy as a whole. Your well-being and safety are of paramount importance, and we recognize the critical role you play in our collective success. Thank you for all that you do.
Marex Media