Singapore Celebrates ‘Day of Seafarer 2018’
In conjunction with the ‘Day of Seafarer 2018’, Jurong Port (JP), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) will jointly present 600 gift hampers to ships calling at Singapore.
The hampers, containing essential daily items, will reach about 9,000 seafarers as an appreciation for their contributions to the maritime industry and global economy.
MPA also contributes a sum of $150,000 annually to support the work of various seafarers’ missions to look out for seafarers’ welfare when they call at our shores. The grant will be distributed to the Apostleship of the Sea, the Danish Seamen’s Church, the International Lutheran Seafarers' Mission, the Mission to Seafarers Singapore, and the Norwegian Seamen's Church.
The annual grant supports a wide range of welfare services for seafarers, ranging from ship visitations to counselling services and pastoral care at the mission centres.
Starting today, the SOS will run a trial for an on-demand shuttle bus service for seafarers working onboard ships berthed at the Pasir Panjang Terminal.
Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “Seafarers play an important role in transporting 90% of the world’s goods. Yet, not many people know the sacrifices they make such as being away from their family. Singapore is committed to address the well-being of seafarers. Over the years, we have put in place various facilities, welfare programmes and year-round recreational activities to ensure seafarers that call at our port are well taken care of.”
In 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) designated the 25th of June as the Day of the Seafarer to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the 1.5 million seafarers worldwide.
With more than 90% of world trade being carried by sea, seafarers provide a vital service that drives the shipping industry and, more importantly, keeps the global economy going. IMO has set the theme for this year’s ‘Day of Seafarer’ as ‘Seafarers’ Wellbeing’ to tackle stress and other issues affecting seafarers’ mental health.
