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
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar
(Posted on 23/12/25)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has announced the successful delivery of Fleximar, the... Read more
Western Bulk re-enters ship ownership with selected partners
(Posted on 18/12/25)Western Bulk, together with reputable Norwegian partners A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, Premium Maritime... Read more
Pacific Basin announces formation of a Sustainable Energy Solutions team
(Posted on 18/12/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink
(Posted on 02/12/25)Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more
VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern
(Posted on 02/12/25)VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more
DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero
(Posted on 24/11/25)The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more
