ASCO and V.Ships will collaborate in several directions
As part of the Strategic Development Plan of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), in addition to maintaining and strengthening the position of national shipping in the Caspian Sea, the company is actively striving on expanding its activities beyond the Caspian region. Special attention is given to entering new shipping segments, increasing cargo capacity, and important projects are being implemented in this direction.
As an international company, ASCO focuses on studying and implementing advanced practices to continually improve the quality of operations, as well as the development of knowledge and skills of its personnel. In this regard, ASCO effectively collaborates with various outstanding companies, including a partnership with V.Ships, a global leader in ship management with nearly 40 years of experience. Further development of collaboration with this company is expected during the current year.
For this purpose meeting between ASCO's Chairman of the Board, Rauf Veliev and delegation led by V.Ships' Chief Operating Officer, Allan Falkenberg took place. The meeting involved extensive discussions about projects implemented in various directions.
It was indicated that one of the main projects involves development of the seafaring personnel. It is intended under this program to train local seafaring personnel for ASCO which is entering a newer vessel segment. As part of the program ordinary crew members working at ASCO vessels and talented students studying in ASCO's educational institutions will undergo internships on board the vessels operated by V.Ships for 3-6 months period. Program graduates will be employed on new ASCO vessels after successful examination.
Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of ASCO's crew members will be assessed by V.Ships based on an examination corresponding to international standards. This examination will allow ASCO to form a strong base of senior commanding officers. Those who demonstrate weak exam results will be involved in a special qualification improvement program.
The demand for personnel was also discussed between the parties. It was also noted that in case of a shortage of local personnel, V.Ships will provide the necessary support to ASCO tankers and dry cargo vessels operating in the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
According to the agreement, an assessment of the remuneration system applied in ASCO will be conducted, and a comparison with wage systems applied in global markets will be made. Reports and proposals will be prepared based on the results.
Furthermore, an assessment of the fleet management system will be carried out. This will enable ASCO, operating on an international scale, to implement more advanced methods in crew management in the future.
As part of the experience exchange program for onshore personnel, trips to V.Ships' international offices will be organized. The program will involve specialists in human resources, ship financing and operations management, procurement, safety at sea, and fleet technical operation services. During the exchange program, they will gain new experience in electronic systems and management methods.
In addition, as part of a pilot project, the digital platform "ShipSure" from V.Ships will be implemented on one of ASCO's vessels. The main goal of the project, lasting 6-9 months, is to improve the use of modules such as planned maintenance, ship financing, personnel management, procurement systems and processes, safety of navigation, ship operations, and document management.