Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) made its mark in the Baltic states back in 2003, when it established the CSM Baltija office. This strategic move ensured a steady supply of highly skilled crews for the Columbia Group. Under the leadership of Elena Kononova, a dedicated team of just three individuals initially served the needs of six product tankers in the Columbia fleet. However, it didn't take long for the office to expand, with staff numbers growing and the crew count reaching an impressive 700 seafarers. Swiftly, CSM Baltija solidified its reputation as one of the premier recruiters in the local crewing market.

The remarkable success of CSM Baltija can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to providing quality seafarers and its relentless dedication to meeting their needs. The company places great emphasis on fostering loyalty and taking care of its seafarers, which are core values deeply ingrained in its organizational culture. Columbia’s commitment to seafarer development during the maritime industry’s time of rapid digitalisation is also evidenced by its commitment to providing the most advanced training programmes in the industry, both online and in person. At the same time, Columbia aims to change the conversation on seafarer’s mental health by tackling the stigma, which is why it partners with companies providing services that address the full spectrum of seafarer health and wellbeing, having achieved 24/7 direct access to medical expertise and mental health support.

Integral to the company's achievements are the Latvian and Baltic seafarers, whose unwavering loyalty has been instrumental. Many of these dedicated individuals have been with Columbia for well over 15 years, and some even began their journey as cadets with CSM Baltija, subsequently rising to esteemed positions as top-ranking officers. The experience and expertise of these crews have proved invaluable during the takeovers of new vessels.

At present, CSM Baltija supplies CSM and its clients with a new generation of seafarers who excel on various vessel types, including passenger, cruise, and Ro Pax vessels, as well as LPG tankers, oil and product tankers, and an array of offshore vessels like jack-up platforms, survey ships, and cable layers.

CSM Baltija takes immense pride in its exceptional employees, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and loyalty to the company. With the continued support of outstanding seafarers and colleagues from other Columbia offices across the globe, the company eagerly looks forward to many more prosperous years of operation.

Source, Columbia Group