Hundreds of thousands of seafarers who bear the load of roughly 90% of world trade have been stranded aboard ships throughout the pandemic because of the widespread inability for crew changeovers to occur or for shore leave to be granted.
Although these do not fix the problem, here are just some of the ways our ports are supporting seafarers.
Svitzer Australia spoke to crewmembers in ports around Australia and Papua New Guinea:
Videos credit: Svitzer Australia
NSW Ports, Mission to Seafarers and Sister Mary Leahy of the Stella Maris delivered 245 locally made pizzas for the 310 seafarers who were on-board vessels docked at Port Botany and Port Kembla on Day of the Seafarer. NSW Ports in partnership with Seafarer Connect has also rolled out WIFI connectivity for seafarers docked at their ports.
Port of Newcastle is bringing WIFI to the seafarers who visit.
Port Authority NSW, along with Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, is also working to bring high-speed WIFI to seafarers on ships. This initiative has also been taken up by several other ports across Australia.
Video credit: Port Authority NSW
Vessels across Pilbara ports sounded their horns at midday to mark the occasion.
The same can be heard from Mid West Ports at Geraldton Port!
Lyttelton Port Company expressed their gratitude and how they're supporting their local Seafarer Centre.
CEO of Southern Ports, Steve Lewis gave a message of thanks to all seafarers.
Here are some of the ways Ports Australia suggests industry can aid our vital international seafarers.
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