News - Whitestoneshipbrokers

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🎉🚢 A proud achievement in Ship Operations & Management.

Managing a ship is undoubtedly one of the most critical responsibilities in the maritime industry. Owning a ship goes far beyond just purchasing it, finding the right cargoes or uses for the ship. The Shipowner or manager will place great importance on having knowledgeable experience on how to manage the operations of the ship. Being of such importance comes with knowledge, experience and certification. Therefore, are you ready to make an impact? Or ready to make a difference?

Join our 100% online masterclass in Ship Operations & Management delivered with flexibility of self-paced study and gain a recognised qualification from the global professional body, The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London.

Register now with our online registration form https://forms.gle/dcQa1cZjFgjCJj6f7

Please note the following dates for the online live sessions:
Orientation: 1st October 2025
1st Live Session: 8th October 2025
2nd Live Session: 15th October 2025
3rd Live Session: 22nd October 2025
4th Live Session: 29th October 2025.

#ShipOperationsManagement #CareerGrowth #MaritimeExcellence#WhitestoneShipbrokers#ThinkMaritimeTalkMaritime#WestAfricaSchoolofShipping#AnAnchorofProfessionalMaritimeEduucationandTraining


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🎉⚓ A strong foundation built!

Are you an Accountant, Human Resource professional, new to shipping, a student, or does your job role require knowledge of shipping?

Take our Understanding Shipping Course today and build a solid foundation to strengthen your role in the global shipping industry. This program is delivered 100% online, supported by an experienced online tutor, with flexible learning options that allow you to study at your own pace.

Enroll and gain an internationally recognized certificate from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), London, UK.

Join us now by registering with our online registration form https://forms.gle/dcQa1cZjFgjCJj6f7

Be a part of an industry that never stops growing. ⚓

#UnderstandingShipping #MaritimeEducation #CareerGrowth #ShippingExcellence #ProfessionalDevelopment#WhitestoneShipbrokers#ThinkMaritimeTalkMaritime#WestAfricaSchoolofShipping#AnAnchorofProfessionalMaritimeEduucationandTraining


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AI is transforming the world of work!

From smarter decision-making to boosting efficiency and opening new opportunities, artificial intelligence is reshaping careers across industries.

Join us as we explore how to use AI and technology to enhance business performance and equip you with the skills to stay ahead in today’s digital era. 🚀💡

Let us reshape our future together. ✨

📍 Venue: Royal Nick Hotel
🗓 Date: 11th-12th September 2025.
⏰ Time: 9:00–15:00 GMT.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/p8AHpcdZT3

#SmartMaritime #MaritimeAI #AIForBusiness #MaritimeTechnology #WhitestoneShipbrokers #ThinkMaritimeTalkMaritime #WestAfricaSchoolofShipping #AnAnchorofProfessionalMaritimeEducationandTraining


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Training Overview

The West Africa School of Shipping is organising a one (1) day training on the Legal Aspects of Bills of Lading and its Importance in International Trade on Monday, 20th November 2023, in Takoradi at the Grand Favour Hotel.

Why participate in the training?

Shipping documents are critical in facilitating the transportation of goods by sea and other modes of transport. These documents, especially the bill of lading perform different functions and its correct usage is critical in regulating transport liability between the parties to a contract of carriage of goods by sea.

The training workshop will delve into the types, functions, legal implications, and roles of the bill of lading in international trade.

Training Schedule
  • Types of bills of lading
  • Functions of the bill of lading
  • Importance of the bill of lading in international trade
  • The bill of lading and the Seaway bill
  • Letters of indemnity & its applicability
  • Bill of lading & carriage conventions
  • Bill of lading & charter parties

Target Group
  • Banks
  • Insurance Companies
  • Exporters & Importers
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Ship Agents
  • Liner companies
  • Lawyers
  • Shipping Companies
  • All stakeholders in relevant industries
  • Manufacturing Companies
Training Outcome

Participatory and interactive training sessions with practical case studies, multimedia to test the understanding of participants before and after the training.

Training Modalities
Date: 20th November 2023
Time: 08:30hrs to 15:00hrs
Venue: Grand Favour Hotel, Takoradi
Training Package
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Notebook & Pen
  • Pen drives containing course materials.
  • Certificate of participation

Profile of Facilitator

Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim (FICS) is the Executive Director of Whitestone Shipbrokers and West Africa School of Shipping.

She is a Chartered Shipbroker, Lecturer and Maritime Consultant with over twenty years’ combined experience in Shipping, Oil & Gas, and Academia specialising in International Trade Transactions, Marine Insurance and Maritime Law.

She has worked in the field of seismic acquisition, FPSO operations and management, shipbroking, maritime labour, and procurement, having worked previously as Country Manager for PGS Ghana, Yinson Gazania Operations, OMA Labour & Procurement and Offshore Shipbrokers Ghana.

Gertrude is a Part – Time Lecturer at the Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana, and a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Global Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission.

She is Membership Committee Chairperson, a member of the Controlling & Executive Councils, an Assessor and Assistant examiner of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), London. She is President of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Ghana.

She holds a Master of Laws degree in Maritime Law from the University of Oslo, Norway and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London, UK.

 


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Introduction

Whitestone Shipbrokers & West Africa School of shipping organised a three-day bespoke training for Cross Energy Ghana and Senegal staff on the Topic Chartering of Offshore (Oil and Gas) Support Vessels on September 8th, 11th – 12th September 2023. The venue for the training was the West Africa School of Shipping at TDC Towers, Community 2, Tema.

Training Overview

The training imparted knowledge in understanding the fundamental principles of chartering of ships, the various chartering arrangements, voyage, time and bareboat and review of specific contracts applicable to the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.

Facilitators

The facilitators for the training were Edem Ayatteh FICS a Marine Superintendent and Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim FICS, a Chartered Shipbroker, Lecturer, and a Maritime Consultant.

All participants received certificates of participation.

           


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Introduction

Whitestone Shipbrokers & West Africa School of shipping organised a two-day training on International Trade Cycle, Documentation, Practical Cargo Clearance, Demurrage and Detention on August 9th – 10th , 2023. The venue for the training was at the West Africa School of Sipping premises.

Participants were from AngloGold Ashanti, Olam, Logic Logistics, Nungua Warehouse, JSA, and Sonapack Ghana Limited.

Training Overview

The training imparted knowledge to practitioners on steps, regulations and methods used in acquiring goods, shipment and the processes involved in clearance and ways to avoid unnecessary cost. The training was participatory and interactive with practical studies.

Facilitators

The facilitators for the training were Natheniel Kojo Nti (FICS) Nathaniel Kojo Nti is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, UK, Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim, a chartered Shipbroker, lecturer and maritime consultant, Lipton Baffour Nsoah is the Deputy Operations Manager Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, and Charles Darling Asiedu Sey, a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)

Certificates for participation were given to all participants.

         

                                        


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Whitestone Shipbrokers & West Africa School of shipping organised a two-day training on Marine Insurance at the Airport West Hotel, Accra. This event took place on October 11th – 12th , 2023.

Participants were from insurance companies, Insurance Broking firms, and Shipping Agencies such as, Donewell Insurance, Millenium Insurance, ASCOMA Ghana Ltd, Imperial General Assurance, Phoenix Insurance, Sanlam General Insurance, OMA Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Training Overview

The training provided a deeper understanding of marine insurance principles, mutual insurance clubs, marine cargo insurance, and cargo claims with a general overview of appreciating marine insurance practices. The training was participatory and interactive with practical studies.

           

Facilitators

The facilitators for the training were Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah is a private legal practitioner, Senior Lecturer and a maritime consultant, Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim, a chartered Shipbroker, lecturer and maritime consultant, and Elijah Owusu Agyeman a chartered insurer, and associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of the United Kingdom. Certificates for participation were given to all participants.

                                        

 


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Overview of Understanding Shipping Training Course

West Africa School of Shipping in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) London, UK is organizing a six (6) weeks training on Understanding Shipping.  The Certificate course provides the basic Fundamentals of Shipping and is a blended learning programme delivered by four (4) online live sessions, an independent e-learning platform and an online assessment resulting in a qualification in Understanding Shipping using the ICS online academy.

Why study Understanding Shipping?

Shipping is the life blood of the global economy. Merchant ships carry around 90% of world trade and generate annual income of over half a trillion US dollars in freight rates. The shipping industry employs millions of people around the globe in diverse sectors and offers exciting and meaningful careers. ‘Understanding Shipping’ was originally developed in cooperation with national governments to strengthen the knowledge and skills pool available to a vital part of their economies and provide school leavers and young people with a powerful development tool as a stepping stone to a rewarding career.

Course content
Module 1 The Planet, People and Trade
Module 2 The Growth of International Trade and Shipping
Module 3 The Ships
Module 4 The Role of Ports
Module 5 The Voyage
Module 6 The Charter Markets and Shipbroking
Module 7 Key Documents in Shipping
Module 8 The Development of Ships; Shipping Cycles and Maths
Module 9 Local Focus: Case study on key regions of West Africa
Who is the course for?
  • New starters
  • Those already working in the sector who need broaden their knowledge and understanding.
  • Those whose work interfaces with shipping and world trade
  • Anyone interested in starting a career in the shipping industry where a comprehensive introduction and a respected qualification can help in gaining an entry-level position.
Key benefits
  • Certified: gain a recognised qualification from the global professional body for the commercial shipping industry
  • Study at your own pace around existing commitments.
  • Available wherever you are located.
  • 100% online course assessment
  • Up-to-date and easy-to-follow course materials developed by shipping experts.
Requirement from participants
  • Good internet connectivity.
  • Quiet studying environment.
  • Present online assignment on time.
  • Navigate through the online portal.

Register with the link below: https://forms.gle/GB4PoCUPe7g3UNd4A.

 

 


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Have you ever attended a career fair?
If not, you might be missing out on one of the most effective ways to learn and grow both personally and professionally. Career fairs are events where experts in a particular field come together to share their knowledge and experiences with attendees.  They offer a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, network with like-minded individuals, and gain new perspectives on your chosen field. Here are some reasons why attending a career fair is a great way to learn and grow:

  • Learn from experts in the industry.

Career fairs bring together experts from a wide range of industries and fields. This means that you have the opportunity to learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in your chosen field. You can ask questions, gain insights, and learn about the latest trends and developments in their industry.

  • Networking opportunities

Attending career fairs also provides you with a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. You can meet people who share similar interests and goals and form valuable connections that can help you in your career. Networking can also lead to new job opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.

  • Gain new perspectives.

Listening to experts in your field can help you gain new perspectives on your work. You may discover new ways to approach problems, or gain insights into how other professionals are tackling similar challenges. This can help you become more creative and innovative in your work.

  • Improve skills and knowledge.

Career fairs are designed to help attendees improve their skills and knowledge in a particular area. You can learn new techniques, gain new knowledge, and develop new skills that can help you be more effective on the job. Also, supporting attendees in their field or area of interest, in other to motivate and encourage their ability and skills to become competitive in the industry. Thus, this can help you become more competitive in the job market and open up new career opportunities.

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

 Career fairs are a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your industry. You can learn about new technologies, techniques, and best practices that can help you stay ahead of the curve. This can help you be more effective in your job and make you a more valuable asset to your filed of work.

In conclusion, attending a career fair is a great way to learn and grow both personally and professionally. It provides you with the opportunity to learn from experts in your

industry, network with like-minded individuals, gain new perspectives, improve your skills and knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. So, if you haven’t attended a career fair yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up for one whenever you hear of any, start reaping the benefits!


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Whitestone Shipbrokers organised a workshop on International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS 2020) & Letters of Credit in October and November 2022 at Tema and Takoradi respectively. Participants were from both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire and from freight forwarding, Oil and Gas, Insurance and logistics companies.

       

Facilitators of the training were Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim FICS, Executive Director of Whitestone Shipbrokers Ghana, and Jane Otuteye a Trade and Sales Manager for Retail and Business Banking Absa Bank Ghana.

Topics discussed under INCOTERMS 2020 included differentiating one TERM from the other and choosing the right TERM for any transaction to minimize cost and increase profit. Jane took participants through trade finance payment methods, Letters of Credit, its associated risks, and application. The training was climaxed with practical case studies and technical discussions, the hallmark of all Whitestone Shipbrokers’ trainings.