Synergy seafarers contribute to relief fund
(Posted on 12/06/20)
Synergy Group seafarers have made a substantial collective contribution in support of a charity established to combat COVID-19 and provide relief for those most in need.
Thousands of employees of Synergy Group, one of the world’s leading ship management companies, have donated a day’s pay to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (CARES) Fund, the COVID-19 charitable trust set up in the name of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is leading the fight against COVID-19.
Among those ‘Synergians’ to donate was Capt. Mark Fernandes, a 16-year seafaring veteran. “As seafarers, it was important to us that we do our bit and contribute towards the PM CARES Fund,” he said. “Every sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 virus and we have to stand tall to fight this pandemic.
“We seafarers are a rare breed of individuals and we are willing and able to make a difference for society and our country. After all, the value of man resides in what he gives, not in what he is capable of receiving.”
Vishal Bhagat, Synergy Group Chief Engineer, said: “Coronavirus does not discriminate, it has hit everyone hard. In times like these, empathy and solidarity should be our guiding lights. We seafarers try to think of those less fortunate than ourselves, so we’re delighted to support the PM CARES Fund which is helping exactly those who need it most.”
The substantial donation consisted of individual contributions by thousands of Synergy Group seafarers - both Indian and non-Indian - currently deployed on the company’s fleet of over 300 vessels.
Synergy Group has also contributed 10% of the company’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility budget to the PM CARES Fund. Captain Rajesh Unni, CEO and Founder of Synergy Group, said the PM CARES Fund charitable trust, which consists entirely of voluntary contributions from individuals and organisations and does not receive budgetary support from India’s government, is leading the way in the fight against the pandemic.
“The PM CARES Fund is providing the ventilators people need to survive this awful pandemic,” he said. “It is also helping our migrant workers that have been hit so hard and conducting valuable research to help find a vaccine.
“Both in India and worldwide, the coronavirus has taught us that we’re all in this together and we need to help and support each other.
“I would like to thank all the seafarers and staff that contributed to this fantastic cause.”
The donations have been made despite most seafarers currently being unable to leave or join vessels due to global coronavirus lockdowns.
“These contributions have been made even though many of our seafarers are under tremendous duress themselves due to restrictions on crew changes which have left thousands stranded at sea and unable to return to their families,” said Captain Unni.
“Seafarers are essential workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus. They deliver the food and essential supplies on which we all depend. We are hopeful that in the very near future their importance will be recognised and governments will take steps to allow them to return home using safe corridors.”
Synergy Group carries out its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities through its partners Synergy Educational and Charitable Trust (SECT) and Go2C Changemakers Foundation (Go2C). In the 2018-19 financial year, Synergy funded 29 initiatives in India and beyond with a total of 35,114 direct beneficiaries.
Latest News
ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’
(Posted on 01/05/25)ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more
MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions
(Posted on 30/04/25)In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more
NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025
(Posted on 28/04/25)On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more
INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more
MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more
Veson: Bulker S&P activity falls sharply in Q1 2025
(Posted on 22/04/25)Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with... Read more
Britannia Group announces CEO succession plan
(Posted on 22/04/25)The Britannia Group, a leading P&I insurer, has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Cutler... Read more
INTERCARGO responds to IMO's decision on GHG reduction measures
(Posted on 15/04/25)At last week's landmark MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States... Read more
NORDEN sells two additional vessels
(Posted on 15/04/25)In line with NORDEN’s strategy to realise asset values, the global provider of ocean-based freight... Read more
ILO delivers on Seafarers Key Worker Rights and fair treatment
(Posted on 15/04/25)The fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) of the MLC concluded last week with some... Read more
