MarTrust, the leading global maritime payment solutions company and part of Marcura, today announced that Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar has chosen MarTrust’s E-Wallet solution to digitally transform the way it manages crew payments. Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar is the manning affiliate of the Bourbon Group, one of the world’s leading offshore marine services companies. Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar is responsible for managing over 1,000 seafarers on more than 100 vessels.

The implementation of MarTrust’s E-Wallet is based on Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar’s continued commitment to attract and retain its top performers within the organisation and providing the delivery of services to crews and ship managers of superior quality and efficiency, in line with the increased needs of seafarers to maximise their welfare while at sea.

MarTrust’s E-Wallet and pre-paid card optimises the payment process for ship owners and operators, enabling crews to receive funds quicker compared to traditional banking routes, and provides them with complete control of their funds and online purchases, with reduced risk and lower transaction costs. They also have the ability to quickly transfer money to anyone at any time, meaning they can send much-needed financial support to their families. Digitalising and simplifying the payroll and CTM process reduces significant costs and time, and online transactions are protected with the latest industry-grade security features.

Commenting on the development, Suraj Maharaj, Managing Director, Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar, said:

“Our key goal is to attract and retain the very best seafarers and to actively contribute to their personal growth within our organisation. This means ensuring that all areas that impact their lives while at sea are at the highest level, from communication and sourcing of stores, health and safety, as well as how they are remunerated and receive their hard-earned salaries.
“We recently introduced an attractive pension scheme for our seafarers, as well as a digital signature platform for employment agreements, and now the E-Wallet is the latest digital development to ensure that they receive their wages safely and securely, and with the freedom and ability to do with it what they choose.”

The E-Wallet can be accessed anywhere and at any time online or via a mobile app. From there, funds can be easily and securely transferred directly to crew to pay whatever is required, be it salaries, bonuses, overtime or cash advances. The E-Wallet and card also reduce the need for seafarers to manage or store significant amounts of cash, providing increased security. By using the card, cash can be accessed at any Mastercard®-supported ATM or bank teller around the world, and the card can be topped up in different currencies for increased flexibility.

Domenico Carlucci, CEO of MarTrust, added:

“Bourbon Marine Services Greenmar is the latest in a line of leading maritime companies that are putting their seafarers first and embracing the opportunities of digitalisation and our E-Wallet solution to advance the welfare of their crews and seafarers. It is clear to us that the traditional methods of paying crews are outdated and unnecessarily complex. Our technology is a simple solution to meet these challenges, reducing risk and costs, as well as increasing efficiencies, flexibility, and crew welfare.”

Source: Hellenic Shipping News