SENATOR Crewing Manila (SCM), a member of the Columbia Group, recently celebrated its expansion into the cruise market with the opening of a new office.
The move, spearheaded by CSM’s general manager, Capt. Gilbert Garcia, signifies the company’s unwavering commitment to Filipino seafarers, even amid the still-recovering deployment to the global fleet.
The opening of a dedicated cruise recruitment office on the 8th floor of the Aseana Building in Aseana City, Parañaque, marks a new chapter for SCM. The new office boasts a modern design, symbolizing SCM’s commitment to innovation, teamwork and excellence. The space is functional, fosters creative collaboration and encourages ideas to flourish, ultimately facilitating quality overseas employment for Filipino seafarers.Previously focused on cargo vessels within the Columbia Group, it will now cater to crew needs for cruise lines managed by the same group.
SCM general manager Capt. Gilbert Garcia addresses guests and staff during the blessing of the new office wing on the 8th floor of the Aseana Building in Aseana City, Parañaque. PHOTO BY WILMAR ALMERIA
This expansion aligns with the booming cruise tourism industry, offering exciting career paths for Filipino seafarers.
Garcia acknowledged the tireless efforts of the SCM team behind the scenes, highlighting their dedication to securing the best possible employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers.
Industry insights and growth potential
Garcia said the expansion was inevitable, considering the Philippines is home to over 860,000 certified Filipino seafarers who send an estimated $6.5 billion to the country annually.
He said, “The global cruise passenger capacity is expected to grow by at least 10 percent from 2024 to 2028, with a surge in cruise travel already outpacing other tourism sectors.”
Garcia also cited a report from the Department of Migrant Workers showing that 25–30 percent of Filipino seafarer deployments come from the cruise industry.
New focus on cruise recruitment
SCM’s collaboration with the Cyprus-based Columbia Group, which started years back, mostly focused on providing crew for container vessels. With the new business venture, SCM is tasked with providing cruise personnel for cruise ships, starting with its first vessel, Manara, currently being retrofitted.
Garcia said a Saudi group acquired the vessel, formerly managed by the Genting Group; it will be formally ready by October this year. SCM will be providing the full crew requirements for Manara.
“This is our first cruise ship,” Garcia said, adding that SCM will provide the full complement of cruise and hotel personnel.
SCM has begun training the crew it will provide, with some Columbia Group executives flying in over the next few weeks to provide technical information. SCM is handling training in collaboration and partnership with schools with culinary facilities.
SCM has almost 1,800 Filipino crew members onboard their vessels. “But that number doesn’t factor in yet those crew and personnel we are currently training for cruise ships,” Garcia said.
The developments at SCM, Garcia added, will increase their need for more crew in the coming months.
With the first of the many cruise ships to be managed by SCM alone, Garcia said about 500 crew will be needed for the Manara.
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