Fleet Management Awarded Social Leader Honour at ESG Shipping Awards for Third Consecutive Year

Fleet Management has been recognised as a Social Leader at the ESG Shipping Awards for the third consecutive year, reflecting its sustained commitment to seafarer wellbeing, career development and family care.

Presented in Athens, Greece, the award acknowledges how Fleet Management continues to place people at the centre of its operations, translating Encompass commitments into practical, measurable support for more than 27,000 seafarers and their families worldwide. Central to this approach is Fleet Care, the company’s integrated programme supporting mental wellbeing, welfare and engagement across its global workforce.

A People-First Approach in Practice

Fleet Management’s people-first philosophy is grounded in the belief that wellbeing, safety and performance are closely connected. Fleet Care brings this to life through structured psychological support, welfare assistance and wellbeing initiatives across key crewing regions.

Dedicated in-house clinical psychologists provide counselling, crisis support and tailored interventions for seafarers. Programmes such as Psychological First Aid and Wellness at Sea further equip crews with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges onboard.

Alongside wellbeing, Fleet Management continues to strengthen its safety culture through initiatives such as the SafeR+ behavioural-based safety programme and global crew engagement seminars. These efforts reinforce accountability, teamwork and clear communication between ship and shore. Shipboard engagement activities, including social days and sports events, also help build camaraderie and inclusion during extended periods at sea.

Extending Support to Families at Home

Fleet Management’s commitment to wellbeing extends beyond the vessel to support seafarers’ families. Fleet Family Support Groups, welfare managers and structured engagement programmes help families stay connected, informed and supported throughout a seafarer’s time at sea.

This includes collaboration with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network on the Sailing Together handbook, which offers practical guidance for families navigating the realities of life at sea.

The company has also continued to advance inclusion through women-focused initiatives, including gender-sensitive personal protective equipment, peer support networks and dedicated wellbeing managers. These initiatives are designed to foster safe, inclusive and respectful working environments both onboard and onshore.

Supporting cadets and trainees

Fleet Management focuses on developing the next generation of maritime professionals. Following the acquisition of the International Maritime Institute in 2025, the company has strengthened the pathway from training to employment, creating a more integrated approach to early-career development.

Through initiatives such as Buddy on Board and trainee wellbeing workshops, Fleet Management now supports around 400 cadets each year as they transition into life at sea. These programmes help cadets build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging from the outset of their careers.

Turning commitment into lasting impact

This award reflects how Fleet Management’s Encompass sustainability strategy translates social responsibility into consistent, people-focused action across its global operations. The award aligns closely with the strategy’s Safeguarding People and Working Together pillars, reinforcing the belief that strong operational performance is inseparable from the wellbeing of seafarers, their families and the communities that support them.