Fleet expands its growth, training and innovation hub in the Philippines

(Posted on 30/09/25)

Fleet Management Limited, a part of The Caravel Group, is expanding its presence in the Philippines to strengthen training capacity, support Filipino seafarers and enable continued global growth.

The investment in a new office and training hub in Manila reflects the Company’s deep commitment to the Philippines, Fleet Management’s second-largest crewing hub and a vital maritime nation that supplies over a quarter of the world’s seafarer workforce.

Building on 28 years of operations in the Philippines – dating back to October 1997 – Fleet Management has grown into a thriving community of more than 4,000 Filipino seafarers. The expanded facility in Manila will deliver over 14,000 training sessions annually, supported by advanced simulators and upgraded infrastructure. The investment reinforces Fleet’s role as a crewing and training operator of excellence, preparing the next generation of maritime professionals to meet the evolving demands of the global fleet.

Dr. Harry Banga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Caravel Group; Executive Director of Fleet Management Limited, said: “Our business has always been a people business where long-term relationships matter deeply. This investment reflects our enduring commitment to the Philippines and to the dedicated maritime professionals who call it home. We will continue to make strategic investments in people and infrastructure to deliver world-class service to our clients and partners.”

Fleet Management has installed a full mission bridge simulator and engine room simulator, creating immersive environments for complex vessel operations, dual-fuel readiness, and training on future fuels. Fleet Management is expanding both the equipment specifications and capacity of its training programmes to support more than 14,000 sessions annually in Manila.

Bespoke training programmes and crewing solutions will also be available to shipowners and the wider maritime industry, supporting future growth in areas such as green fuel adoption. This strengthens Fleet Management’s position as a centre of excellence in training, and adds to the suite of vessel management solutions on offer. Technology-driven tools, such as the PARIS Crew Planner, bring greater precision to workforce planning, helping Fleet Management match seafarers to upcoming assignments based on skills and experience, enabling timely deployment and maintaining uptime.

Filipino seafarers have crewed Fleet Management vessels since the Company’s founding thirty years ago, and today they serve on more than 150 ships, upholding safe and efficient operations across the global fleet. To support local seafarers and their families, the new Manila hub will include a dedicated family lounge, expand welfare programmes under Fleet Care, and provide career support to help unlock development pathways for the next generation of maritime leaders.

Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam, CEO of Fleet Management Limited, said: “Our Manila hub strengthens our ability to serve a global fleet today and tomorrow. I am proud of the strong founder-led culture and organisational professionalism that defines Fleet Management. This investment demonstrates the people-first approach which has powered thirty years of progress and continues to fuel our ongoing sustainable growth.”

The office is designed with a people-centric approach, incorporating wellbeing features such as ergonomic workstations, CO? air quality monitoring, and access to health and wellbeing resources. Sustainable features include smart energy systems, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, water efficiency measures, waste segregation, and responsible procurement practices.

These initiatives align with Fleet’s Encompass Strategy and support the Philippines’ national net zero ambitions, demonstrating that business growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.