Project Embark hits major milestone with launch of V.Crew Connect app in India

V.Group has successfully launched the first wave of its V.Crew Connect app in India, giving seafarers access to a seamless experience to support and ease the mobilisation and disembarkation process, and contract management.

The app allows seafarers to update their availability for their next assignment, sign contracts, and manage documentation online, often from the comfort of their own home – resulting in fewer expensive journeys and more time spent with their family and friends.

For V.Group’s customers, the data from the app enables Project Embark’s goal of using innovative technology and data-driven insights to provide best-in-class service to meet our customers’ needs in an ever-demanding market.

The launch of the app is a major milestone for Project Embark, a programme designed to transform the way the leading global marine support services provider handles crewing for its pool of 44,000 seafarers.

Over 3,600 seafarers have registered so far – a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming months as the app is rolled out in further locations across the globe.

“Our V.Crew Connect seafarer app has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm and support amongst our seafarer colleagues in India, following its launch in December last year”, said Lara Dela Cruz, Head of Internal Communications, Crew Management, V.Group.

“There is still much work to be done, but we’ve made a lot of progress. All of the learnings from wave 1 will help to set us up for success when we go live across the world later this year.”

The event coincided with the launch of ShipSure 2.0 amongst shore-based colleagues in Mumbai, who now have access to the brand-new Task Manager Module. The workflow engine, which automates interactions between colleagues and seafarers, is now operational, along with the PeopleFluent’s recruitment system and Launchpad’s video interviewing solution, which allow colleagues to track and manage applications and conduct interviews online.