We once again turn the spotlight on one the many important collaborators helping to make VIKAND a success. The united efforts we make with our partners benefit seafarers through proactive healthcare, innovative technologies, and a community of providers who foster a culture of care.  

This month, we are in conversation with Marcel Kind, CEO of Simwave. 

VIKAND—What is your company and what does it do? 

Marcel—At Simwave, we provide maritime competency solutions for the maritime industry. This includes training, assessments, and applied research. Simwave Academy provides online solutions for training and assessments, while our Centre of Excellence in The Netherlands offers simulator-based training, assessments, and research projects, like port studies, incident investigations, and new ship developments.

VIKAND—How long has your company been in business? 

Marcel—Simwave opened its Centre of Excellence in 2018. With over 59 simulators, it is one of the largest simulator centres in the world. However, I am involved in two other related companies, Transafe and Scoutbase. Transafe has provided maritime compliance for over 20 years, including vetting, auditing, incident investigations and more. Scoutbase is a tool to monitor crew satisfaction and crew welfare. 

VIKAND—What are one or two company highlights that you are proud of?  

Marcel—We are extremely proud of recent developments in our learning management and competency management systems. These give companies insights into all crew members and can create things like personal development plans including a training path and set assessments. It’s been extremely well received by many different shipping companies, and the fact that it is developed in-house enables us to customise the platform and further develop it with our clients.

I am also proud of Simwave’s port studies, which directly contribute to safer and more efficient operations. Our recently completed studies for LNG import in Europe will enable companies to safely receive larger vessels in their ports. 

VIKAND—What is the biggest challenge the global maritime industry faces? Tell us about your strategy to overcome it. 

Marcel—The biggest challenge in our industry is crewing. The seafarer of today needs different competencies than in the past. With emerging technology and high demand for seafarers, there is more pressure on them, and we work to support seafarers with world-class training and deliver tools to support them. Safe operations help to create resilient crew members.  

VIKAND—Where are you headquartered and what can you tell us about your team?  

Marcel—We have offices in The Netherlands and Vietnam, with team members from all over the world – Brazil, Italy, India, Spain, and more. Our team is very diverse and has different specialists, including mathematical modelling, software engineers, technical trainers, nautical trainers and supporting staff. Together, we create a unique experience for our participants.  

VIKAND—What does your company do to promote team and client wellbeing? 

Marcel—All our companies are focused on the human element. People are key in operations and therefore we are focused on people, especially retention rates – keep people interested, keep people informed, keep people involved and inspired. Our leadership team leaves a lot of decisions to the specialists in our organisation, from the front desk to the trainers and assessors, and this empowers them to make an impact.