EDT Offshore and Synergy Marine Group join hands to tap Indian manpower for global offshore industry

Cyprus-based EDT Offshore and Singapore’s Synergy Marine Group have launched EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd, a joint venture to hire manpower from India for global offshore industry. They will deliver tailored ship management solutions to the offshore industry.

Synergy Marine Group is the world’s second-largest ship manager and the largest third-party manager of Indian-flagged vessels.

It employs over 28,000 seafarers worldwide with 90 per cent of whom are from India. The Group plans to increase this number by 5,000 by 2026 and to have at least 1,000 female seafarers by 2030, said Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO Ship Management at Synergy Marine Group.

The launch of EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd will help empower Indian seafarers and strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry, he said in a release.

Giles Heimann, Director-Shipmanagement & Operations, EDT Offshore said, by combining the company’s expertise, EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd is well positioned to meet the demands of the offshore sector and deliver innovative solutions to clients.

Chaudhry told businessline that the venture will focus on addressing key challenges in the offshore industry, such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, and the optimisation of offshore operations.

EDT Offshore contributes its expertise in offshore operations, including oil rig support, vessel chartering, logistics, subsea support, and project management. Synergy brings its technical management capabilities, digital innovation, and designing and managing newbuilds across Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam.

While the joint venture is registered in Cyprus, it holds significant relevance for India, which is emerging as a key contributor to the global offshore industry by providing a skilled maritime workforce.

The demand for skilled manpower in the offshore sector is growing rapidly, particularly with the expansion of renewable energy projects and offshore exploration.

Manpower is sourced globally, with significant contributions from countries such as India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. India, in particular, stands out due to its comprehensive maritime training programs and cost efficiency, making it a preferred source for skilled professionals in the offshore industry, he said.

As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global oil and gas industry employs approximately 8 million people across the oil supply chain. This includes roles in both offshore and onshore operations, with the offshore segment forming a critical component of this workforce. The broader energy sector employment landscape highlights the increasing importance of skilled personnel in meeting industry demands.