Anglo-Eastern is to implement an E-Wallet system from Marcura subsidiary MarTrust to manage its crew payments, the companies have announced.
The payment system was first launched in October 2021, and its E-Wallet and card will be used by Anglo-Eastern to protect payments and comply with sanctions regulations for crews of different nationalities, including the ship manager’s Ukrainian seafarers.
“We place the safety and well-being of our crew as our highest priority, and as a responsible ship manager it is incumbent on us to ensure we ease the concerns our crew will have in relation to receiving payment,” said Carsten Ostenfeldt, COO of Anglo-Eastern.
“Transferring funds to seafarers’ accounts in Odesa or Kiev was, until recently, a formality. Clearly, the circumstances have dramatically changed, and it is critical that companies act swiftly to protect the interests of their seafarers.”
“The MarTrust solution allows our seafarers to receive funds in an E-Wallet managed by an entity approved by, and operating under, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority. This not only allows individual crew members to decide what portion, if any, they wish to repatriate; it also allows us, as a company, to be compliant with relevant trade and economic sanctions.”
“Furthermore, we see the solution as a step in the right direction with regard to the digitalisation of our services, and one that involves less risk and cost compared to the more cash-based solutions that are typically seen across our industry.”
MarTrust’s E-Wallet and card enables crews to receive and manage their funds digitally and undertake online purchases. Money can also be transferred to international parties, like families at home, within the platform.
The E-Wallet can be accessed via a web portal or mobile app and can be integrated into existing software systems. The accompanying free pre-paid card allows cash to be accessed at any Mastercard-supported ATM or bank teller around the world, and the card can be topped up in eight different currencies.
