Sailors’ Society suspends port activity
(Posted on 20/03/20)
International maritime charity Sailors’ Society is offering virtual chaplaincy to seafarers as it suspends its port activities in response to the coronavirus.
The charity, which operates in 90 ports around the world including Southampton, Portbury and Avonmouth, Leith, Tilbury, Invergordon, Dundee and Montrose, Greenock and South Wales, is pausing port activities for an initial period of two weeks, in the light of the increased spread of the virus and the World Health Organization (WHO) activating an international state of emergency.
Chaplains will instead be available online using social media and digital technology to provide advice, support and arrange practical help for crews. The charity is sharing mental health advice for seafarers and is setting up a special Facebook group for seafarers concerned about the impact of the virus on their health and livelihoods.
Sailors’ Society’s COO Sandra Welch said: “Our chaplains usually meet 1,000 seafarers a day in ports across the globe. As this crisis has unfolded, we have been closely following health advice in the ports where we operate and offering virtual chaplaincy to quarantined seafarers.
“This suspension is last thing we want to be doing - especially today, Sailors’ Society’s 202nd birthday. But we need to put the health of our staff and the crews we serve first.
“If you are a seafarer struggling at this time, you are not alone. We know this is a particularly distressing and unsettling time for many of you and we are still very much here for you, even if we can’t be with you physically.
“In the past two centuries, we have supported seafarers through many crises, including two world wars. Our dedicated and driven chaplaincy team will do whatever it takes to support you through this crisis today.
“You can reach our chaplains via our website and we hope our new Facebook group will become a place where you can share encouragement and advice with one other too.”
A special coronavirus section of the Sailors’ Society website can be accessed at https://www.sailors-society.org/coronavirus, with health information, advice for seafarers on how to manage their mental health in light of the pandemic and contact details for chaplains and the new Facebook group.
Latest News
Dry bulk industry pays tribute to outgoing INTERCARGO Chairman Dimitri Fafalios
(Posted on 10/01/25)Leading figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios... Read more
IMO Secretary-General sets his priorities for 2025 in new year message
(Posted on 07/01/25)International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has highlighted key items... Read more
Anemoi’s Vale VLOC Rotor Sails installation is largest wind-propulsion project to date
(Posted on 17/12/24)Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt... Read more
Partnership to provide crews with seamless Data Roaming experience
(Posted on 17/12/24)ShipMoney, a leader in digital payment solutions, has announced its partnership with Megga Telecom,... Read more
Thordon’s water-lubricated shaft bearings selected for bulk carrier refit
(Posted on 11/12/24)Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft and SXL rudder bearings to replace... Read more
DNV: cost-efficient strategies can cut price of FuelEU Maritime compliance
(Posted on 11/12/24)According to a new DNV white paper outlining FuelEU Maritime requirements and compliance strategies... Read more
Roadmap for Nordic Shipping’s fuel transition delivered to ministers
(Posted on 04/12/24)The Nordic Roadmap project has unveiled the Fuel Transition Roadmap for Nordic Shipping (‘the... Read more
MHSS expands to address unique maritime mental health challenges
(Posted on 04/12/24)Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) is pleased to announce the expansion of its team in Korea and... Read more
AVS Global strengthens Asia-Pacific operations
(Posted on 04/12/24)AVS Global, the Istanbul-based ship supply, catering, supply management, logistics, and procurement... Read more
U-Ming Marine appoints Anemoi to install Rotor Sails on VLOC
(Posted on 29/11/24)Leading wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and... Read more
