Euronav Modernises Crew Payments with the MarTrust e-Wallet
Customer Overview
Euronav, one of the world's leading independent tanker companies, operates a global fleet with multinational crews. Keeping seafarers paid accurately and on time is mission-critical, and traditionally a challenge when dealing with cash, port-agent coordination, and varying currencies.
Captain Vasileios, a long-serving Euronav master mariner with decades at sea, has overseen crew welfare and onboard operations across vessels including the M/T CAP CHARLES. His perspective reflects both operational experience and the everyday realities of life onboard.
Life Onboard: A Connected Community
A vessel functions as a small, highly coordinated community where every crew member carries specific responsibilities to ensure safe operations. Reliable communication is essential for crew morale. With global connectivity now more accessible, seafarers increasingly expect the same level of financial control and digital convenience they have at home.
Challenge: Cash-to-Master Was Slow, Costly, and Operationally Heavy
Before digitalisation, Euronav, like most ship operators, relied on Cash-to-Master (CTM) to deliver crew allotments and onboard cash.
According to Captain Vasileios, the process was "complicated," because captains cannot carry large cash reserves, making the vessel dependent on port calls and agents. Coordinating CTM at every port was both time-consuming and expensive, and crew often had to wait until arrival to access funds.
Solution: The MarTrust e-Wallet
Euronav implemented the MarTrust e-wallet to streamline payments, improve crew experience, and reduce operational friction.
Captain Vasileios personally uses the e-wallet and describes it as "useful and very easy to use." The app requires minimal time to manage and removes the complexity associated with cash handling.
Key Benefits Delivered
1. Immediate, secure transfers
Funds are delivered straight to each seafarer; no need to wait for port calls. "Deposits are transferred… quickly and safely… without having to wait to arrive in port." This eliminated delays and reduced dependency on port-by-port CTM logistics.
2. Simple, everyday usability
The e-wallet is intuitive enough that crew require no training. "The app is so easy to use that no special skills or guidance was needed." Captain Vasileios reports using it daily for routine purchases.
3. Faster international transfers
Transfers to bank accounts are quick and reliable; one is completed in under an hour. This benefit is especially valuable to crews sending money home.
4. Multi-currency convenience
Safe currency exchange within the app helps crew manage finances abroad without the risk of carrying cash.
5. Strong crew acceptance
After initial questions, crews across multiple nationalities consistently found the app "very useful," reducing administrative queries and smoothing adoption.
Impact for Euronav
By adopting MarTrust, Euronav:
Reduced CTM-related costs and operational burdens
Improved safety by reducing cash handling
Accelerated access to funds for crew
Enhanced crew satisfaction with a modern, mobile-first financial tool
Improved predictability and transparency in payment workflows
The e-wallet has become part of daily life onboard, supporting both operational efficiency and crew welfare.
