VR Maritime Services Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in crew management and maritime services, on Friday inaugurated its new office in Goa, marking a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across India. The move underscores VR Maritime’s commitment to enhancing direct access, localized support, and improved career opportunities for Indian seafarers, with a special focus on Goa’s strong maritime community.
The Goa office was formally inaugurated by Capt. Sanjay Prashar, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Sonika Prashar, Managing Director, in the presence of eminent personalities from the maritime, legal, educational, and public service sectors. The expansion is in line with the company’s long-term vision of establishing field offices across major maritime regions of the country to enable closer engagement with seafarers and stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Capt. Prashar said Goa’s rich maritime heritage and globally respected seafaring talent made it a natural choice for VR Maritime’s expansion. He noted that the new office would facilitate direct recruitment, training, and welfare support, while strengthening the company’s relationship with local seafarers and contributing to regional development.
The inauguration ceremony featured a traditional lamp-lighting ritual, symbolizing unity, transparency, and community bonding. Among those present were Narendra Sawaikar, former Member of Parliament from Goa; Capt. Viriato Fernandes, MP, Goa; Capt. Imaculado Avalon Barros Colaco, Captain Superintendent, NUSI Maritime Academy; and Shivram Kamat, Director, Institute of Maritime Studies, Goa, along with seafarers, staff members, and industry stakeholders.
Over the years, VR Maritime Services Pvt. Ltd. has established itself as a benchmark in crew management, currently managing crews on more than 200 ships worldwide. The company employs over 6,000 seafarers, with more than 2,200 actively sailing, and boasts an impressive seafarer retention rate of around 95%, reflecting its people-centric and fair employment practices.
The Goa office will be led by Capt. Francisco A. J. Gouveia, a veteran Master Mariner with 45 years of extensive maritime experience. Under his leadership, the office is expected to function as a strategic hub for India’s western coastal region, further enhancing VR Maritime’s operational efficiency and contribution to the country’s maritime growth.
By establishing a presence in Goa, a key maritime state, VR Maritime aligns itself with India’s broader “Blue Economy” vision, supporting local employment generation and workforce development in coordination with the Directorate General of Shipping.
Encouraging Goan youth to pursue careers at sea, Capt. Prashar said, “Goa is known globally for its qualified seafarers. Through our Goa office, we want to open doors for young Goans to build successful maritime careers right here at home.”
