Recognising Seafarers on World Maritime Day 2010

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) celebrated World Maritime Day (WMD), distributing hampers to ships in port through MPA’s welfare arm – the Singapore Mariner’s Club.

T his year’s hamper presentation was special as WMD not only sought to increase the awareness of the shipping industry, but pay tribute to seafarers for their unique and important contributions to the global shipping community in conjunction with the ‘Year of the Seafarer’ – this year’s theme for WMD. As a goodwill gesture, hampers in the form of goodie bags containing foodstuffs, caps, VCDs and magazines were distributed to approximately 600 ships and 12,000 seafarers through 30 ship representatives on 23 September at the Maritime House in Singapore Mariner’s Club.

Guest-of-honour, MPA Chairman, Mr Lucien Wong presented hampers to some 30 representatives from the shipping industry. The rest of the hampers were distributed to the different vessels through their shipping agents.

“Seafarers are often out of touch with their families, friends, loved ones and the wider world when out in the open sea. We recognise their many sacrifices and to show our appreciation to seafarers for their dedication, MPA, together with the local seafarer unions, have been presenting gift hampers to ships that call at our port every World Maritime Day since 2003,” said Mr Wong. SMOU, one of the co-sponsors for the hampers, attended the celebration and was represented by its President, Capt Robin Foo.

Capt Foo concurred with Mr Wong’s remarks: “Indeed, we are extremely glad to be able to reach out in gratitude to seafarers through the gift of hampers. It’s a small token for all their efforts and hard work. Truly, they are the real, unsung heroes of the shipping industry.” A cheque of $100,000 was presented as well by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young to four seafarer missions in support of their good work.