The Mission to Seafarers has raised over £465,000 for its ongoing Sustaining Crew Welfare Campaign, thanks to the generosity of donors from across the maritime industry. Ocean Network Express and X-Press Feeders Ltd have doubled their previous donations, recognising the need for immediate support and call for others to join the cause, in addition to Taylor Maritime Investments which has come onboard as a Silver sponsor.
COVID-19 is still negatively impacting seafarers, particularly for those crews who are unable to access shore leave owing to in-port restrictions or company policy. Around the world, the Mission’s teams co-ordinate their work with key port stakeholders. This has enabled chaplains and welfare teams to focus on providing crew with the practical and mental health support they need. In many ports, chaplaincy teams are facilitating vaccinations for seafarers with the latest big announcement that Panama will provide vaccinations for seafarers passing through its port.
The fund provides crucial support for the Mission’s 200 ports, delivering targeted support in those locations where the need is greatest. From providing local teams with PPE to delivering tech solutions to enable seafarers to contact home, the fund facilitates a broad range of welfare initiatives which directly benefit seafarers their families.
Ocean Network Express and X-Press Feeders Ltd have doubled their donations and are now both Platinum sponsors of the campaign alongside original platinum sponsors Wan Hai Lines Ltd, The Seafarers’ Charity and Grimaldi Group.
The current Gold sponsors are MSC, TeeKay and Grindrod, while Gaslog and recent donor Taylor Maritime Investments unite as Silver sponsors. AET, ICS and Moore Stephens make up the Bronze sponsors of the fund.
Ben Bailey, Director of Advocacy & Regional Engagement, The Mission to Seafarers, commented: “Despite the festive cheer that this season typically brings, seafarers continue to face challenging circumstances as they work to keep vital supply chains open. Seafarers are used to being away from loved ones at key moments in the calendar, but for a second year running, shore leave remains a dream in many parts of the world, and we are concerned about the mental health consequences this could have. Our chaplaincy teams will be working hard over the Christmas period to provide crews with access to a range of wellbeing resources, as well as solutions to enable seafarers to connect with home.
“All of this is only possible because of supporters to our Sustaining Crew Welfare campaign. We are incredibly grateful to our friends within the industry who have helped us this year to do so much for seafarers and their families. We invite others to join us so that we can do even more.”
Jeremy Nixon, CEO of Ocean Network Express, said: “With respect to international shipping, and all the world’s seafarers of multiple nationalities who have contributed so greatly to keeping global trade and supply chains moving through the pandemic, ONE is proud to be a strong supporter and sponsor of The Mission to Seafarers, and all the great work that they do in so many countries.” (Dreamstime photo)
