Harren Group and NSB Group team up with Albireo to strengthen seafarers

German ship management and shipping companies, Harren Group and NSB Group are combining their decades of experience in ship management and crewing to strengthen seafarer support through the new manning agent Albireo.

Developed in close collaboration with local partners in Manila, Albireo offers professional and dedicated career development for seafarers and highly reliable crewing services for shipowners of all vessel types.

The Manila-based team currently manages around 800 seafarers, who are deployed across approximately 90 vessels worldwide. From recruitment and training coordination to documentation and career planning, Albireo ensures that both seafarers and shipowners receive consistent state-of-the-art support. Shipowners benefit from clear processes, efficient crew deployment, and stable manning, while seafarers gain tailored support and long-term career development opportunities.

“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 Harren Group, added “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.”

Joachim Zeppenfeld, Managing Director of Harren Ship Management, stressed “For specialised fleets, it is crucial to maintain a pool of well-trained and experienced Filipino seafarers. With Albireo, we have the opportunity to meet the highest standards.”

The name Albireo, inspired by a double star in the constellation Cygnus, marks the head of the swan. Its colours, orange and blue, reflected in the brand identity, symbolise guidance, partnership, and reliability.

The office is led by highly experienced maritime professionals, General Manager and President Captain Vicente Dayo, together with Operations Manager and Chairman Captain Thaddeus Bonghanoy, both of whom bring decades of hands-on experience in crewing and seafarer engagement in the Philippines.

“We see Albireo as a platform for long-term development and collaboration,” said Captain Vicente Dayo. “Our mission is to provide seafarers with reliable support throughout their careers while giving shipowners confidence through consistent quality, clear processes, and stable manning,” added Thaddeus Bonghanoy.

Founded in 1982, NSB Group is an international maritime service provider headquartered in Buxtehude, with operations across Asia. As an Integrated Partner, NSB stands for long-term collaboration, transparent communication, and reliable, future-focused solutions. Combining technical excellence with a holistic partnership approach, NSB supports shipowners throughout the entire vessel lifecycle. Its service portfolio includes Ship Management, Crewing, Newbuilding Services, and Crew Training – all designed to deliver consistent performance, operational reliability, and shared success.

For over 35 years, Bremen-based Harren Group has been at the forefront of the ever-changing world of shipping. Today, Harren Group’s core business areas include heavy lift, MPP and bulk shipping, maritime engineering solutions, integrated project logistics, ship management and crewing, as well as commodity logistics. With an unwavering passion for people and progress, Harren Group is dedicated to leading the energy transition, carrying loads no one else can. Harren Group brings the world – and their people – closer together.