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Insights
A message from John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group on Day of the Seafarer 2025
This year’s IMO Day of the Seafarer reminds us that there are many pressures on efforts to improve life at sea for the people who are the backbone of global trade.
In choosing 'My Harassment-Free Ship' for this year’s campaign, the IMO is also highlighting what many experience: a leading Swedish Maritime Academy recently found that 8-25% of males and over 50% of females have been subjected to harassment at sea*.
In line with its conviction that the future of maritime is human, Wallem believes the rigor in its policies, leadership and training are critical components in ensuring that our seafarers feel safe, well and able to grow – professionally and personally.
Its comprehensive crew welfare initiatives also include comprehensive ‘e-wallet’ services, regular career planning and the ‘Sea Voice Portal’ - which allows seafarers to offer feedback and raise concerns at director level.
On the Day of the Seafarer, I am encouraged to see the IMO launch an Interactive World Map highlighting resources to support seafarers and empower them to seek help wherever they are.
I also wholeheartedly join the IMO in promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance of bullying on ships in the context of the latest IMO WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, which disappointingly put female representation among seafarers at just 1%.
Wallem’s shore-based workforce is already 45% female, while our ‘Women of Wallem’ initiative celebrates and supports the families and networks on which our seafarers rely.
We are also seeking to encourage more women into careers at sea, and to nurture and retain those joining Wallem’s professional seafarers. To do that, we must remain resolute in our efforts, and ensure that the workplace at sea is welcoming, safe and inclusive.
John Rowley,
CEO, Wallem Group
Source: Cecilia Österman and Magnus Boström, Kalmar Maritime Academy at Linnaeus University: Workplace bullying and harassment at sea: A structured literature review
Wallem Group joins in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer
Discover the inspiring stories of these remarkable seafarers who are leading the way in the maritime industry. Click the images below to be inspired by their stories.
Nitu Uniyal
Second Officer, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Indian
From a young age, I felt driven to make a name for myself in a career that set me apart. Inspired by my father, an ex-army man, I dreamt of a profession that was challenging and unique.
Becoming a seafarer fulfilled that dream. However, entering the maritime world as a woman brought challenges. During the early stages of my career, I was often told that the sea isn’t a place for women. Though disheartening, such comments became a source of strength and determination: I chose to laugh them off and move forward with purpose.
Over the years I’ve seen countless women excel in fields traditionally dominated by men. Their journeys inspired me to stay committed to my path.
Since joining Wallem, I’ve received invaluable guidance and mentorship from my seniors and the company. Instead of criticism based on my gender, I’ve been met with support and encouragement and found a sense of belonging that has helped build confidence. I feel truly valued at Wallem, and empowered to succeed in this demanding field.
Looking ahead, I’m more determined than ever to keep growing and learning as a seafarer - whether it’s technical skills, leadership, or just more about real-life experiences at sea. Each voyage has taught me something valuable, and the lessons push me to do better.
The journey has only made me more excited about building a future in this field, as someone who contributes meaningfully to the maritime community and hopefully inspires others to follow their passions too.
The challenges are many and no success comes without sacrifices, but I have learned that kindness and supporting one another are the basis for a positive atmosphere on board. Together we rise and together, we break barriers.
Nitu Uniyal
Second Officer, Wallem Ship Management
Li Baogui
Second Engineer, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Chinese
I’m Li Baogui - Second Engineer on a PCTC vessel and a Wallem crew member managed out of Shenzhen.
I went to sea in 2016, when I was recruited by Wallem Ship Management. I’ve completed ten contracts to date, working on bulk carriers and car carriers. I was a Third Engineer on my first ship where I received exceptional training that left a profound impression and a strong foundation in ship operations and engineering practices. It was demanding, but Wallem’s rigorous standards and teamwork instilled me with the discipline, resilience and technical proficiency to succeed.
In 2018, I was promoted to Second Engineer. That was a real career milestone and a reward for hard work which also opened up new and challenging responsibilities. I needed to deepen my technical skills and my knowledge of ship machinery and systems. This was also the period that I truly understood the critical importance of safety protocols and how collaboration between crew members ensures effective and secure operations at sea. I also learned how to approach complex situations with composure - whether it was routine maintenance or a system malfunction.
My current vessel is an LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) which has opened a new chapter in my career by bringing me into contact with cutting-edge engine technology. It has enriched my perspective on our industry's evolving commitment to sustainable energy, and it’s inspiring to be part of a sector actively reducing its environmental footprint by adopting cleaner fuels.
I look forward to further honing my expertise, embracing shipping’s dynamic future and contributing meaningfully to the company’s objectives.
Li Baogui
Second Engineer, Anji Virtue
Roel Nepal
JEOOW, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Filipino
After graduation from Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology in 2018, I began working on ships trading domestically around Cebu, before moving to Manila.
At the end of 2022 I secured a crew position with Wallem Westminster. By August 2023 – the 26th to be precise on a day I’ll always remember – I went on board an internationally trading vessel for the first time as a Wallem Engine Trainee. I’m very grateful to my crewmates during that first contract as they taught me so well that I was promoted to Wiper in my second Wallem contract.
The learning continues and I’d like to thank the past and present crew and officers and say that I’m proud to be part of this family.
I’ve come to understand fully how important my actions are in protecting lives and preventing environmental damage. Wallem places great importance on safety standards and crew health wellness programs on board which aligns with my expections of a high performing and caring employer.
My experiences at Wallem have enhanced my leadership abilities, as well as my technical skills. Working through the E-TRB is challenging and takes time but I can see its value and why it’s mandatory. I also need to keep up with the Bridging the Skills Gap continuous training for wipers and fourth engineers.
Looking ahead, I hope to progress on tankers and look forward to securing more engine training opportunities soon. I’d also like to grow my technical knowledge working on board a vessel with an electronic engine and Dual-Fuel capability.
Roel Nepal
JEOOW, Interasia Triumph
Bhanu Kundi
Master Mariner, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Indian
Although I was born in the small army regiment hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, my seafaring uncle and elder brother inspired me to think about making the journey from the mountains to the sea.
After completing my education at Kendriya Vidyalaya and DAV School, I carried on their legacy after being selected by Wallem Ship Management to join Training Ship Rahaman, Mumbai in 2004.
I joined my first ship in Chiba, Japan and from day one, all mates and masters motivated me and ensured I had a great apprenticeship.
I obtained my Certificate of Competency in 2008 and went on to join my first ship as Third Mate. I never looked back and secured my first command in 2019.
Having worked with Wallem Ship Management throughout my career, I have gained broad experience across new deliveries, takeovers and dry dockings, working on all sizes of tankers.
Over the years, I’ve learned many things. Books are your best friends, for example. Read, learn and execute. Furthermore, stay up to date with recordkeeping to ensure best practice.
It has also been my privilege to sail alongside some exceptional officers and masters, and I’ve come to realise that a professional maritime career is not just about reaching milestones. It's also a journey of growth, resilience, and continuous learning.
I have been fortunate to learn from others the value of patience, perseverance, tolerance and self-belief, that success often requires sacrifice, and to remain optimistic – even in the face of adversity.
Whatever I am today, I owe to the sea and to Wallem. In that capacity, I can also confirm that there are real rewards in embracing challenges as opportunities, finding joy in the work and always remaining ready to learn.
Every rank has its joys, challenges and lessons: all of them offer insights on how to adapt and how to lead.
Bhanu Kundi
Master Mariner, Wallem Ship Management
Nitu Uniyal
Second Officer, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Indian
From a young age, I felt driven to make a name for myself in a career that set me apart. Inspired by my father, an ex-army man, I dreamt of a profession that was challenging and unique.
Becoming a seafarer fulfilled that dream. However, entering the maritime world as a woman brought challenges. During the early stages of my career, I was often told that the sea isn’t a place for women. Though disheartening, such comments became a source of strength and determination: I chose to laugh them off and move forward with purpose.
Over the years I’ve seen countless women excel in fields traditionally dominated by men. Their journeys inspired me to stay committed to my path.
Since joining Wallem, I’ve received invaluable guidance and mentorship from my seniors and the company. Instead of criticism based on my gender, I’ve been met with support and encouragement and found a sense of belonging that has helped build confidence. I feel truly valued at Wallem, and empowered to succeed in this demanding field.
Looking ahead, I’m more determined than ever to keep growing and learning as a seafarer - whether it’s technical skills, leadership, or just more about real-life experiences at sea. Each voyage has taught me something valuable, and the lessons push me to do better.
The journey has only made me more excited about building a future in this field, as someone who contributes meaningfully to the maritime community and hopefully inspires others to follow their passions too.
The challenges are many and no success comes without sacrifices, but I have learned that kindness and supporting one another are the basis for a positive atmosphere on board. Together we rise and together, we break barriers.
Nitu Uniyal
Second Officer, Wallem Ship Management
Li Baogui
Second Engineer, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Chinese
I’m Li Baogui - Second Engineer on a PCTC vessel and a Wallem crew member managed out of Shenzhen.
I went to sea in 2016, when I was recruited by Wallem Ship Management. I’ve completed ten contracts to date, working on bulk carriers and car carriers. I was a Third Engineer on my first ship where I received exceptional training that left a profound impression and a strong foundation in ship operations and engineering practices. It was demanding, but Wallem’s rigorous standards and teamwork instilled me with the discipline, resilience and technical proficiency to succeed.
In 2018, I was promoted to Second Engineer. That was a real career milestone and a reward for hard work which also opened up new and challenging responsibilities. I needed to deepen my technical skills and my knowledge of ship machinery and systems. This was also the period that I truly understood the critical importance of safety protocols and how collaboration between crew members ensures effective and secure operations at sea. I also learned how to approach complex situations with composure - whether it was routine maintenance or a system malfunction.
My current vessel is an LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) which has opened a new chapter in my career by bringing me into contact with cutting-edge engine technology. It has enriched my perspective on our industry's evolving commitment to sustainable energy, and it’s inspiring to be part of a sector actively reducing its environmental footprint by adopting cleaner fuels.
I look forward to further honing my expertise, embracing shipping’s dynamic future and contributing meaningfully to the company’s objectives.
Li Baogui
Second Engineer, Anji Virtue
Roel Nepal
JEOOW, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Filipino
After graduation from Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology in 2018, I began working on ships trading domestically around Cebu, before moving to Manila.
At the end of 2022 I secured a crew position with Wallem Westminster. By August 2023 – the 26th to be precise on a day I’ll always remember – I went on board an internationally trading vessel for the first time as a Wallem Engine Trainee. I’m very grateful to my crewmates during that first contract as they taught me so well that I was promoted to Wiper in my second Wallem contract.
The learning continues and I’d like to thank the past and present crew and officers and say that I’m proud to be part of this family.
I’ve come to understand fully how important my actions are in protecting lives and preventing environmental damage. Wallem places great importance on safety standards and crew health wellness programs on board which aligns with my expections of a high performing and caring employer.
My experiences at Wallem have enhanced my leadership abilities, as well as my technical skills. Working through the E-TRB is challenging and takes time but I can see its value and why it’s mandatory. I also need to keep up with the Bridging the Skills Gap continuous training for wipers and fourth engineers.
Looking ahead, I hope to progress on tankers and look forward to securing more engine training opportunities soon. I’d also like to grow my technical knowledge working on board a vessel with an electronic engine and Dual-Fuel capability.
Roel Nepal
JEOOW, Interasia Triumph
Bhanu Kundi
Master Mariner, Wallem Ship Management
Nationality: Indian
Although I was born in the small army regiment hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, my seafaring uncle and elder brother inspired me to think about making the journey from the mountains to the sea.
After completing my education at Kendriya Vidyalaya and DAV School, I carried on their legacy after being selected by Wallem Ship Management to join Training Ship Rahaman, Mumbai in 2004.
I joined my first ship in Chiba, Japan and from day one, all mates and masters motivated me and ensured I had a great apprenticeship.
I obtained my Certificate of Competency in 2008 and went on to join my first ship as Third Mate. I never looked back and secured my first command in 2019.
Having worked with Wallem Ship Management throughout my career, I have gained broad experience across new deliveries, takeovers and dry dockings, working on all sizes of tankers.
Over the years, I’ve learned many things. Books are your best friends, for example. Read, learn and execute. Furthermore, stay up to date with recordkeeping to ensure best practice.
It has also been my privilege to sail alongside some exceptional officers and masters, and I’ve come to realise that a professional maritime career is not just about reaching milestones. It's also a journey of growth, resilience, and continuous learning.
I have been fortunate to learn from others the value of patience, perseverance, tolerance and self-belief, that success often requires sacrifice, and to remain optimistic – even in the face of adversity.
Whatever I am today, I owe to the sea and to Wallem. In that capacity, I can also confirm that there are real rewards in embracing challenges as opportunities, finding joy in the work and always remaining ready to learn.
Every rank has its joys, challenges and lessons: all of them offer insights on how to adapt and how to lead.
Bhanu Kundi
Master Mariner, Wallem Ship Management
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