The iconic Belfast shipyard and multisite fabrication company of Harland & Wolff with over 160 years of maritime and offshore engineering pedigree has appointed The Seafarers’ Charity as its 2021/22 partner.
This partnership will see Harland & Wolff join forces with one of the UK’s most respected maritime charities to raise funds and support activities that will improve the lives of seafarers in need, supporting their practical and welfare needs at home, in port and at sea, often far away from home, enabling them to connect with loved ones – and to find comfort and companionship in retirement.
Founded in 1917 as King Georges’ Fund for Sailors, The Seafarers’ Charity tackles seafarer hardship and disadvantage in the UK and around the world through funding, collaboration, research and advocacy – supporting those who work or have worked at sea and their families.
Their support covers the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleet, maritime youth, Royal Navy, and their families in the UK and Commonwealth, and includes hardship and poverty advice and support; access provision to virtual and port-based welfare services; improved access to health and wellbeing services, that support mental and physical health.
In addition to ashore, including care homes, accommodation, and relationship counselling; improved safety standards and practices and enhanced safety culture; as well as increased social justice that reduces the fear of bullying or harassment and supports human rights.
John Wood, Group CEO of Harland & Wolff, commented: “Chosen due to the many connections between their mission and our purpose as a business, we are incredibly excited to be launching our partnership with The Seafarers’ Charity. This will be a testament to our commitment to the communities in which we operate and the maritime community as a whole. We are now looking forward to working closely on a number of sponsorship projects and to supporting the charity throughout the year.”
Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of The Seafarers’ Charity commented: “We are thrilled to partner with the icon of shipbuilding, Harland & Wolff. Like The Seafarers’ Charity, they have a long history in maritime and we look forward to developing our partnership to ensure that together we can do more for seafarers.”
Harland & Wolff is a multisite fabrication company, operating in the maritime and offshore industry through five markets: commercial, cruise and ferry, defence, energy and renewables.
