-
Harren Group and NSB Group establish Albireo as a joint crewing and manning company in Manila
-
Albireo currently manages about 800 seafarers deployed across some 90 vessels worldwide
-
Albireo aims to standardize crewing processes and strengthen long-term seafarer career development
-
Manila-based operations provide end-to-end services, from recruitment to documentation and training
-
German shipping groups underscore the strategic role of Filipino seafarers in global shipping
German ship management and shipping groups Harren Group and NSB Group have formed Albireo, a Manila-based manning agency designed to provide standardized crewing services and long-term career development for seafarers.
Developed in close collaboration with local partners, Albireo combines the companies’ decades of experience in ship management and crewing to support both shipowners and Filipino seafarers across all vessel types.
The Manila team currently manages around 800 seafarers deployed on approximately 90 vessels worldwide.
Albireo oversees recruitment, training coordination, documentation, and career planning, offering shipowners clear processes, efficient crew deployment, and stable manning, while providing seafarers with tailored support and structured career development.
“Albireo allows us to align our crewing processes with a unified operational standard and strong team spirit,” said Tim Ponath, CEO of NSB Group. “The integration of our Manila teams ensures consistency in selection, preparation, and ongoing support of seafarers. Being close to our crews and their families remains a top priority.”
Nils Aden, managing director of the Harren Group, said the new platform reinforces the company’s commitment to reliable crewing and service delivery.
“Seafarers, our colleagues on board, are key to global logistics and the success of our customers. Albireo provides a clear framework for our crewing activities in the Philippines, ensuring reliable manning and consistent service delivery for shipowners,” Aden said.
Albireo’s name, inspired by a double star in the constellation Cygnus, reflects its brand identity in orange and blue, symbolizing guidance, partnership, and reliability.
Joachim Zeppenfeld, managing director of Harren Ship Management, highlighted the importance of maintaining a skilled Filipino workforce for specialized fleets. “With Albireo, we have the opportunity to meet the highest standards,” he said.
Albireo is led by Capt. Vicente Dayo as general manager and president, and Capt. Thaddeus Bonghanoy, operations manager and chairman, who are both seasoned maritime professionals with decades of experience in crewing and seafarer engagement in the Philippines.
“We see Albireo as a platform for long-term development and collaboration,” Dayo said. “Our mission is to provide seafarers with reliable support throughout their careers while giving shipowners confidence through consistent quality, clear processes, and stable manning,” Bonghanoy said.
READ: IRR of Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers signed
NSB Group, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Buxtehude, operates globally as an integrated maritime services provider, while Bremen-based Harren Group has more than 35 years of experience across heavy lift, multipurpose and bulk shipping, maritime engineering, project logistics, ship management, and crewing.
READ: Seafarers Happiness Index improves slightly to 7.26 in Q4 2025
