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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines joins over 80 organisations committed to transforming seafarer support and career development across the industry.
August 17, 2026
Captain Rommel and his officers on board Borealis PHOTO: FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines became the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board's Seafarer Pledge.
As a signatory, Fred. Olsen has committed to supporting career progression, facilitating transitions between sea and shore-based roles, recognising maritime skills and inspiring future generations to consider maritime careers.
The commitment builds upon existing company initiatives, including career advancement programmes that have seen officers progress through the ranks. Captain Rommel Pineda began as a deck boy in 1996, whilst Captain Paolo Togonon was recently promoted to Master after more than 15 years of service. The operator has also hosted more than 200 young people aboard its vessels and in shoreside offices for educational visits and practical experiences.
This year, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines established a dedicated crew welfare officer role to coordinate wellbeing initiatives across its fleet.
"Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we recognise the invaluable contribution they make both to our business and to the wider maritime sector," said Leanna Lakes, technical and marine operations director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
"We are proud to be the first cruise line to sign the Seafarer Pledge and to stand alongside organisations across the maritime industry in recognising the vital role seafarers play every day."
Inspired by the Armed Forces Covenant, the pledge receives joint funding from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Trinity House and the Merchant Navy Association.
Sharon Coveney, deputy CEO of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, said: "We're proud to see that over 80 organisations have signed up to the pledge, including Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. It shows a growing recognition across the maritime sector that we all have a role to play in improving standards for our seafarers…"
Steven Jones, maritime consultant and driving force behind the initiative, said the cruise line is "setting the benchmark for what good looks like in our industry."
