At Posidonia 2026, Danica Crewing Specialists Founder and CEO Henrik Jensen joined two Crew Insights Panel discussions hosted by Kyvernitis Travel Group, exploring how the maritime industry can build greater resilience in crew mobility while putting seafarer welfare at the centre of decision-making.
Across both sessions – Building Resilience for Crew Mobility and Beyond Logistics: The Seafarer Experience – a common theme emerged: crew mobility is no longer simply a logistical challenge, it is a human one.
In today's operating environment, crewing departments are navigating a complex mix of geopolitical instability, travel disruptions, visa restrictions and changing regulations. Drawing on Danica's experience managing multinational crews worldwide, Henrik discussed the realities of supporting seafarers through events such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where sudden changes can leave crew members facing lengthy and uncertain journeys.
While resilience requires strong planning and trusted travel partnerships, he emphasised that transparency and communication are equally important as seafarers can often cope with delays, rerouting and unexpected challenges when they are kept informed and treated fairly. Honest communication, he noted, helps build trust and gives seafarers confidence that everything possible is being done to support them.
The discussion also highlighted the evolving role of crewing departments. What was once primarily an administrative function has become a 24/7 operation focused on solving problems, managing disruptions and supporting seafarers throughout their journey. Henrik stressed the importance of close cooperation between crew managers, vessel captains and shore-based teams, ensuring seafarers receive both practical support and reassurance during difficult situations.
Beyond mobility, the panels explored the wider seafarer experience, including wellbeing, mental health, retention and the industry's ability to attract future talent. Henrik highlighted the need for continued investment in cadet programmes and long-term crew development, while warning that ongoing disruption and negative perceptions of life at sea could make recruitment more challenging in the years ahead.
Reflecting the wider discussions at Posidonia, Henrik’s message was clear: building resilience in shipping starts with people and reliable crew mobility, effective communication, trust and genuine care for seafarers are all essential to creating a positive experience for those who keep global trade moving.
Watch the recordings to hear Henrik Jensen and fellow panellists discuss the future of crew mobility, resilience and seafarer welfare in an increasingly complex maritime landscape.
Watch the sessions here:
Session 2: Building Resilience for Crew Mobility
Session 3: Beyond Logistics: The Seafarer Experience