RMS lobbies world governments on behalf of seafarers

THE world’s largest ship management company is among a clutch of new clients picked up by RMS in recent months.

The Altrincham-based creative communications agency was appointed by V.Group to provide strategic marketing support to the company, which is headquartered in Glasgow and has 60 offices worldwide.

Within weeks of being appointed, RMS had to swiftly change all its plans to focus on supporting the company through the Covid-19 crisis, which has affected the maritime industry particularly badly.

The production of corporate brochures, videos and advertising schedules were abandoned as the agency’s attention turned to raising awareness of the plight of seafarers abandoned onboard ships across the world.

Agency founder Ruth Shearn explains:

“Lockdown has meant that ships are prevented from moving, leaving 200,000 seafarers stranded on board for unacceptable periods of time.

“What people don’t realise is that ships move 94% of all goods around, including essential medicines, food and all sorts of other items.  Obviously, the non-movement of vessels has created economic upheaval but the humanitarian impact on the seafarers is far worse.  They really are the forgotten ones.

“We have been tirelessly lobbying governments and trade bodies around the world to classify seafarers as international key workers.  This would enable them to disembark and be reunited with their families and also enable crew changes so that when port restrictions are lifted, vessels can start moving again.

“We’ve also worked closely with the senior management and marketing team at V.Group to create initiatives to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers. 

“The lockdown months have been full-on for us and although we’re definitely making some progress, certain governments remain intransigent, so the fight goes on.”

The agency has also been appointed by Bruc & Bond, which sources new and innovative ways to bridge the gap between clients and banking partners, to raise its profile among business owners who feeling disenfranchised from the traditional business banking model.

Closer to home, RMS has been appointed by CC Nurseries, which owns and operates eight pre-school nurseries across the UK, to devise and implement a marketing strategy aimed at ramping up its profile and securing enrolments.

Mike Kirwan, managing director at RMS, said:

“Don’t be under any illusion that we have escaped the ravages of the pandemic – we haven’t.  That said, we’ve been fortunate that our hard-earned reputation and the strong relationships we’ve nurtured over the years have enabled us to continue trading.”