Seatrium Employees Union affiliates with NTUC to represent 5,000 shipyard workers

A new house union has announced its official affiliation with NTUC and will collectively represent some 5,000 workers across five different shipyards under Seatrium Limited.

In a key development, the Seatrium Employees Union (SEU) issued a joint statement with NTUC on their formal affiliation on 12 March 2026.

SEU was established earlier this year in January 2026. Prior to this, Seatrium’s employees were represented by three NTUC-affiliated unions: the Keppel Employees’ Union (KEU), the Keppel FELS Employees’ Union (KFEU) and the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union (SMEEU).

With the five shipyards operating under a single entity, SEU said, in its joint statement with NTUC, that it will provide a unified platform for stronger representation and harmonised workplace practices for all employees.

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan added that the formation of SEU was significant as it strengthens the collective representation of Seatrium’s workforce.

“A skilled and supported workforce contributes to greater stability and Seatrium’s long-term competitiveness. We welcome all Seatrium workers to be part of SEU,” said Mr Tan, who is also the SEU Executive Secretary.

The union added that it will represent both PMEs and rank-and-file workers and ensure every worker’s voice is heard.

Companies merge, unions unite

Seatrium Limited, established in 2023 following the merger of Keppel Offshore & Marine and Sembcorp Marine, provides engineering solutions for the offshore, marine, and energy industries.

While the Seatrium brand may be new, it inherits a legacy of experience and expertise dating back to 1963.

After the merger, SEU General Secretary Eileen Yeo shared that KEU, KFEU, and SMEEU worked together for months to plan a better way to serve the workforce.

“We are all committed to supporting our members and workers and ensuring continuity of our care for them through change. Looking ahead, SEU will continue building on this shared leadership and responsibility so that members remain supported and confident as the industry evolves,” she said.

SEU President Atyyah Hassan said: “Bringing everyone under one union allows us to represent workers holistically across shipyards, address workplace concerns effectively, and support our members’ development, wellbeing and career progression as the company moves forward.”

Seatrium and union form a CTC

Seatrium and SEU have reaffirmed their commitment to future-proofing the workforce. They will help employees transition into new and enhanced roles as the industry changes.

Both parties met on 22 January 2026 and formally agreed to establish a Company Training Committee (CTC) by signing a memorandum of understanding.

The CTC will bring together company and union representatives. They will jointly identify skills gaps and training needs to keep workforce development aligned with strategic priorities.

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