1. Please tell us the history of MCTC from its founding until today.
MCTC was founded in 2012 by our CEO, Christian Ioannou.
Our initial mission was to provide support and guidance to catering staff, helping them perform their roles more effectively and confidently through structured training and practical tools. With a background in Culinary Arts and shipping and a strong vision for improving crew welfare through food and education, Mr. Ioannou set out to raise the standard of maritime catering. I also come from a Culinary Arts background, amongst others, which has shaped our approach and understanding of how food impacts daily life at sea—not just nutritionally, but also in terms of morale, energy, and well-being.
Since then, MCTC has grown into a global catering management provider. We operate globally, with hubs in Cyprus, Greece, Germany, Singapore, and the Philippines, where we also run a dedicated training center for galley staff. We also deliver onshore training in other key regions such as India and provide onboard training and continuous support as a core part of our service model.
Over the years, we have expanded our offerings, introduced advanced development programs, and created digital tools to make catering operations more efficient and transparent—always with the crew’s well-being at the core of what we do.
2. What services do you offer to Shipping Companies?
At the heart of our services is a strong commitment to improving crew well-being. We understand how central food is to life at sea—not just for nutrition, but for maintaining morale, energy, and a sense of comfort during long periods away from home.
Through our comprehensive Catering Management service, we cover all aspects of onboard culinary operations.
From ordering provisions to inventory control, budget monitoring, ongoing support for galley crew, development of nutritionally balanced menus and regular performance analysis MCTC covers the full spectrum of maritime catering management.
We also place strong emphasis on training and development through our Catering Competency Development Programme, which is integrated into our service. It provides structured learning, onboard coaching, and shore-based training tailored to the maritime environment.
In addition, we work closely with trusted supply networks to ensure reliable and cost-effective provisioning, while continuously collecting feedback from vessels to drive improvements and ensure consistent quality. We also utilize Estia, our in-house digital platform built specifically for managing maritime catering operations. It is actively used by both vessels and shore-based teams to handle day-to-day tasks such as placing orders, monitoring stock levels, recording monthly inventory and consumption, following up on training, and ensuring timely reporting. Estia brings visibility, structure, and alignment across all stages of the catering process—supporting smooth communication and transparency between ship and shore.
To further support crew health, we also offer MyBALANCE, a comprehensive wellness service designed to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It includes personalized nutrition plans based on health history, practical guidance before and during onboard service, and consultations for both seafarers and onshore staff.
The program also promotes physical activity, offers stress management support, and fosters community through wellness podcasts, educational webinars, and events like our annual Fitness Challenge. MyBALANCE is designed to create lasting, positive changes—empowering crew members to lead healthier lives both at sea and ashore.
3. How important is quality to MCTC, and how do you ensure high standards across your services?
Quality is embedded in everything we do at MCTC. Every part of our service is designed to ensure safety, reliability, and a positive experience for the crew.
We are certified under ISO 9001 for Quality Management and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. These standards guide our internal processes and support our commitment to professionalism and sustainability.
We also set clear quality standards for our suppliers. All are approved through a formal process and audited regularly. We actively collect feedback from vessels and take immediate corrective and preventive actions when necessary to ensure product consistency, freshness, and compliance with our standards.
We monitor performance through regular data analysis, helping us identify trends and continuously improve. Our approach ensures that quality is not just maintained, but actively reviewed and strengthened over time—with the crew’s health and well-being always in focus.
4. What are the reasons why shipping companies would choose you?
Shipping companies choose to work with MCTC because we take a people-focused approach to everything we do. We believe that success in catering starts with supporting the individuals behind the service—from the galley crew to the vessel operators. Communication, empathy, and responsiveness are key parts of how we work.
Beyond operational efficiency, we are also committed to our green agenda. We promote sustainability in every aspect of our work—minimizing food waste, reducing plastic use, and selecting greener product alternatives wherever possible. We’ve also developed systems to help our clients make informed, responsible choices that align with broader environmental goals.
Our focus on well-being goes beyond food—it’s about creating a supportive environment onboard. Ultimately, our service is built on long-term partnerships, not just transactions. We bring structure, care, transparency, and continuous improvement to a function that is essential to life onboard.
5. What are MCTC’s products?
Our core product is Catering Management, a fully integrated solution that includes provisioning support, inventory control, cost tracking, crew nutrition, customized menus and reporting. All of these elements are managed under a single coordinated service, tailored to each customer’s needs.
What truly sets us apart is the human connection and support we offer. Our teams maintain ongoing communication with vessels and customers, ensuring a high level of responsiveness and adaptability. We don’t simply provide a framework—we actively engage with the people behind it.
At its core, everything we do is built around the health, morale, and satisfaction of the crew—because good food at sea starts with a strong support system behind it. Every product, tool, and service we offer is focused on helping crews eat well, feel well, and perform at their best onboard.
https://mctconsultancy.com/
