Some 200 Danish stewards and ratings will be replaced with foreign crew aboard Maersk containerships and tankers flying the flag of Denmark as a cost-cutting measure, AP Moller-Maersk has announced.
"To return to profitability, AP Moller-Maersk is focusing on being competitive and cost effective. Our findings show that we need to make changes relating to the cost of operating under Danish flag," said a company statement.
"The layoffs are a result of the internationalisation of the seafarers. International crew have proven their capabilities and abilities to offer a qualified alternative," the company said.
Most layoffs will happen in six months for ratings while the stewards will be dismissed into 2009, "during this time we will make every effort to find other possibilities [for them] within our group".
"The changes do not impact the recruitment of Danish cadets; we still need to employ all the cadets we can get," said the company.
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