Gulf Energy Maritime implements FrontM’s crew entertainment / comms service across fleet

As maritime connectivity improves across global fleets, shipowners and managers are facing a new question: how can digital access be turned into better welfare, stronger onboard culture, safer operations and more effective ship-shore communication?

Gulf Energy Maritime, the owner and operator of oil and chemical tankers, has selected FrontM, a UK-headquartered maritime operating platform comapany, to deploy its INFOTAINMENT module across the GEM fleet. The rollout combines Loft Multiplex, IPTV specially designed for maritime environments to bring seafarer engagement and entertainment in the recreation room, together with Loft Kiosk, the specialised onboard digital communication and engagement platform.

The deployment follows successful vessel trials and reflects a broader shift in maritime: crew welfare is no longer only about providing internet access. As seafarers increasingly spend downtime on personal devices and private OTT platforms, ship managers are looking for practical ways to strengthen shared onboard life, reduce isolation and bring new energy back into recreation spaces. At the same time, shore-to-ship communication can no longer rely only on traditional notice boards, printed circulars or one-way messages. Operators need more structured, visible and engaging ways to improve awareness, provide easier access to information and reinforce safety, compliance and operational communication across the vessel.

“Our vessels operate in increasingly demanding environments, and the trial phase clearly demonstrated the value of this solution,” said Capt Rajeev Ranjan, Fleet Personnel Manager, Gulf Energy Maritime. “It resonated so well with our crews and operations that we decided to double down on the bundle We see this not only as an upgrade to the onboard experience, but also as a better way to support safety, compliance and operational efficiency across our fleet.”

Capt Rajeev Ranjan, Fleet Personnel Manager, GEM

FrontM’s INFOTAINMENT module brings together two practical onboard products. Loft Multiplex that delivers licensed live TV, sports, regional programming and shared viewing into crew recreation rooms, giving vessels a compliant and community-oriented alternative to purely individual entertainment. Loft Kiosk that turns safety updates, welfare messages, inspection reminders, company communications and crew engagement content into clear, visual and multilingual screen-based experiences, helping important information reach seafarers more consistently across the vessel.

Together, the two services give shore teams a practical and scalable way to engage crew, reinforce safety and compliance messages, support inspection readiness, share leadership updates, run awareness campaigns and receive feedback from vessels.

“Connectivity has seen a major step forward for seafarers, but welfare and safety outcomes depend on how that connectivity is used,” said Anne-Marie Barclay, VP, Commercial Operations, FrontM. “The next phase for Maritime is about purposeful digital engagement: bringing crew together, making important communications more visible and helping ship managers move from fragmented notices and passive welfare to continuous, measurable engagement. We are delighted to support GEM in taking this forward through communal entertainment and onboard engagement kiosks that strengthen crew culture, safety awareness and ship-shore communication.”

As a preferred partner to major oil companies, refiners and traders, GEM maintains high safety standards through an integrated management system focused on safety, environment, quality and health. The FrontM rollout aligns with this commitment by introducing a modern digital layer that supports both crew experience and operational discipline.

The deployment reinforces a wider industry trend: as shipping companies navigate workforce challenges, safety expectations, regulatory pressure and rising crew welfare standards, integrated maritime platforms are becoming a critical part of the modern fleet operating model.