Offshore marine services company Bourbon Group is using a digital solution to manage crew payments
Its manning affiliate Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar selected Marcura subsidiary MarTrust’s E-Wallet to change the way it manages renumeration of more than 1,000 seafarers on over 100 vessels.
Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar said E-Wallet will help to retain crew and attract more seafarers as offshore support vessels return to operation from layup.
MarTrust’s E-Wallet and prepaid card optimises payment processes for managers, shipowners and operators, enabling seafarers to receive funds quicker compared with traditional banking routes.
“Our key goal is to attract and retain the very best seafarers and to actively contribute to their personal growth within our organisation,” said Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar managing director Suraj Maharaj.
“This means ensuring all areas that impact their lives while at sea are at the highest level, from communication and sourcing stores, health and safety, and how they receive their hard-earned salaries.”
MarTrust’s E-Wallet allows crews to control their funds and online purchases with lower transaction costs and less risk. Seafarers can quickly transfer money to anyone at any time, sending much-needed financial support to their families.
Digitalising and simplifying payroll and money transfers reduces costs and time. Online transactions are protected with the latest industry-grade security features.
“E-Wallet is the latest digital development to ensure seafarers receive their wages safely and securely, and with the freedom and ability to do with it what they choose,” said Mr Maharaj.
He said the group had also introduced a digital signature platform for employment agreements.
The E-Wallet can be accessed anywhere at any time online or via a mobile app. Funds can be easily and securely transferred directly to crew to pay salaries, bonuses, overtime or cash advances.
“Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar is the latest in a line of leading maritime companies that are putting their seafarers first and embracing the opportunities of digitalisation and our E-Wallet solution to advance the welfare of their crews and seafarers,” said MarTrust chief executive Domenico Carlucci.
“It is clear to us the traditional methods of paying crews are outdated and unnecessarily complex. Our technology is a simple solution to meet these challenges, reducing risk and costs, increasing efficiencies, flexibility and crew welfare.”
