#ports&shipping - The south Wales Port of Milford Haven is continuing its support for the Apostleship of the Sea this year with financial backing to help the organisation provide support for seafarers visiting Pembrokeshire.
The Apostleship of the Sea provides practical and pastoral care to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, belief or race. The Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors welcome seafarers and offer welfare services and advice, as well as practical help, care and friendship. It is part of an international network known to the maritime world as Stella Maris, and works in more than 300 ports around the world.
In 2018, the Port Chaplains and Volunteers at the Apostleship of the Sea carried out 697 ship visits within the Port of Milford Haven, reaching around 15,000 seafarers. They also provided transport for crews of 359 vessels from their jetty to town and the main port offices.
Father Paul Osunyikanmi, Apostleship of the Sea Chaplain for the Port of Milford Haven and Pembroke Port, commented: “The Port of Milford Haven’s support over the years has helped us deliver a reliable service to visiting seafarers. Seafarers can sometimes be over looked and undervalued so their welfare, especially whilst away from home for so long, is very important. We are grateful that the Port recognises this importance, and is supportive of our efforts.”
Anna Malloy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, added: “Wellbeing is an important element of safety, and safety is at the heart of everything we do at the Port. That is why we value the work of the Apostleship of the Sea and other organisations seeking to enhance seafarers’ welfare. As the UK’s largest energy port, we welcome seafarers from all over the globe who travel on some of the world’s largest ships to bring in vital energy supplies. Many of these men and women have limited access to communication and transport once off the ship. The Apostleship of the Sea offers a comprehensive service that deploys Port Chaplains and Ship Visitors to focus on the needs that are greatest for seafarers visiting the Port.”
