I worked for NSB Group and left after a dispute over my seniority allowance. When I asked for the allowance to be paid based on my previous service, the company gave me different explanations about which service counted. The vessels were often in poor condition, although supplies on CMA CGM vessels were delivered and were of good quality. In my case, the food was good and depended on the cook and the captain.
I am currently working with NSB Group and am on my second contract. The vessel I am on is in good condition, and the company added my seniority allowance after I had spent more than a year in rank.
I worked as a sailor on one of the company's offshore support vessels in 2012. My salary was doubled when I signed the contract.
In my experience, most of the vessels were old and in poor condition. On some ships the engine room was extremely difficult to work in, with constant breakdowns; there were also periods without toilets or air conditioning. The food was very basic, while spare parts were supplied but were difficult to order because equipment kept breaking down. My four-month contract was extended to almost seven months before I was relieved. The company spends money on uniforms and branded workwear, but the operational side of the fleet was much more difficult.
I am currently sailing on a vessel chartered to a major container shipping line on the Europe–Turkey route. The office responds immediately, although the PMS on this vessel is somewhat chaotic. The quality of the food and bond store depends heavily on the captain, while spare-parts supply depends on the superintendent and the operator; necessary items are generally supplied. Pay and bonuses can be negotiated, and the vessel has 7.98 GB of Starlink data per month.
In my experience, NSB Group had adequate supplies when requests were properly justified, and salaries were paid steadily. The food was weak and close to the minimum standard. Crew changes were often problematic, and I had to keep reminding the office. The vessels were old and worn, promotion to master or chief engineer was very limited, and the overall salary level was at the lower end of average.
I worked for NSB Group once on a vessel that was already tired. Spare parts were difficult to obtain, and basic parts and paint could sometimes take up to six months to arrive. The office arranged regular weekly calls with the superintendent to discuss problems, and service visits were obtained several times. The salary was average, and rejoining bonuses were offered for subsequent contracts. My overall impression was negative.