Future seafarers hit the high seas on ACL's vessels

In October and November, Swedish cadets joined the crews of Atlantic Container Line (ACL) con-ro vessels for traineeships on board, within the framework of an agreement that the Grimaldi Group shipping company recently signed with the Swedish Maritime Education Institute SUI (Sjöfartens Utbildning Institut).

ACL and the Swedish Shipowners' Association are proud to provide this practical training for the cadets during a round trip voyage from Europe to North America. This will be the experience of a lifetime for all the seafarers-in-training, as they will be testing their higher education skills on the open seas.

During their presence onboard, the cadets will carry out vessel operations while continuing their academic studies. They will be able to observe and participate in the ship's activities and learn first-hand what life on board a giant con-ro vessel is like in real time. They will also be able to interact with the vessels’ officers and crews, who will provide a learning experience that no classroom environment can match.

“Deck and engine cadets are important in the ship’s daily operations and running,” noted ACL AB Sweden Director Marine Operations Luciano Crapanzano. “They’ll be supervised while undertaking a variety of tasks on board and they’ll observe the deck/engine officers in their day-to-day vessel operations. Our parent company the Grimaldi Group is proud to help ACL participate in and support the training and preparation of these young, prospective ship officers. Grimaldi takes a great interest in the ability to recruit well-trained officers.”

It is no coincidence that the Grimaldi Group is promoting greater collaboration with maritime educational institutions as well as technology providers. Seafarers must go to sea safe in the knowledge that the training they receive will benefit them when it comes to ship handling, crisis leadership, ship to shore teamwork and mastering technological innovation.

The importance of the new traineeship program has also been recognized by the Swedish Shipowners’ Association, who expressed their deep gratitude to the Grimaldi Group and ACL family.

Although this sailing experience will not commit the students to ACL in the future, the company hopes that it will expand the cadets’ horizons and inspire them to embark on a career in seafaring.