The Annual Seafarers’ Meeting 2025

On September 23rd, 2025, the Annual Seafarers’ Meeting, organized by VINIC Company, was successfully held with the attendance of representatives of The All-Japan Seamen's Union (JSU) in Vietnam, leaders of Vietnam Maritime University (VMU) and NS United Kaiun Kaisha LTD. (NSU) (representing Japanese shipowners), together with nearly 500 officers, crew members, and family representatives. This year’s meeting was not only an annual gathering to connect, share and inspire each other, it also highlighted the vital importance of sending Vietnamese labors to work overseas. This activity contributes to socio-economic growth, creating jobs, increasing incomes, offering opportunities for Vietnamese labors to improve professional skills, adopt advanced technologies, and develop work practices, while simultaneously improve the quality of human resources, promote Vietnamese culture and people, and strengthen international integration and cooperation.
In the meeting, Mr. Kazuma Yamanaka, President of NSU, expressed his deep appreciation for the tireless efforts and dedication of VINIC officers and crew members. He greatly valued the quality and professionalism of Vietnamese crew members, whose contributions have been essential to the safe and efficient operation of the NSU fleet. He also emphasized the importance of training activity to promote younger seafarer generations, reaffirming the vital role of Vietnamese crew members in strengthening the company’s fleet, especially for the launch of dual-fuel bulk carriers in 2027. Japanese shipowners pledged to maintain a modern, safe working environment and continuously improve the health and well-being of seafarers.
As a gesture of gratitude and recognition for the “Dedication and Commitment” of VINIC seafarers to shipowners, 42 Long Service Bonus awards were presented to officers and crew members who have onboard working experience of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. Additionally, 60 lucky draw prizes were also presented to lucky seafarers making this event more exciting.
Below are some memorable moments of the Annual Seafarers’ Meeting 2025

Opening speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Khiem, Chairman of Vietnam Maritime University, Chairman of VINIC

Welcome speech by Mr. Kazuma Yamanaka, President of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd.

Toasting by leaders of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd., Vietnam Maritime University and VINIC

Announcement of Long Service Bonus 2025 by Capt. Dang Anh Duc, Vice President of VINIC

Mr. K. Yamanaka presented Long Service Bonus Awards to Group A seafarers working for NSU vessels

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Khiem, Chairman of Vietnam Maritime University, Chairman of VINIC presented Long Service Bonus Awards to Group B seafarers working for other shipowners’ vessels (NISSEN/SOMI/Grace Ocean, etc.)