Seafarers need to be treated ‘like heroes’ says seafaring campaigner, as seminar supports maritime charities

The value placed on seafarers and their contribution to the global economy was brought into focus at one of the opening seminars at London International Shipping Week (LISW25).

Titled Maritime Charity Partners Supporting Shipping, Capt Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General at InterManager, who was keynote speaker for the session organised by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, posed the question: “Why can’t we look after ourselves? We need shipowners to recognise what we are trying to do – we need to be listening to seafarers and asking them direct: what is it you need? What can we be doing for you?”

He added: “We need from a very early stage to love our seafarers and treat them like heroes. That’s the only way we will attract more young talent to our industry.”

The session gave a spotlight to the four chosen charities for London International Shipping Week 2025; the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), International Maritime Rescue Federation, Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation and Project Connect.

Stuart Rivers, CEO of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, said: “Today’s event - and this week - is ensuring we put talk into action and we see changes for the future that better the lives of seafarers.”

He added: “As unsung heroes, seafarers have a voice and we need to ensure they are listened to.”

Audience member Irene Notias, Founder and Director of Project Connect, which provides maritime culture awareness through the Adopt-A-Ship Programme directly to schools, said: “We facilitate the stage for presenting heroes at sea.

“We want shipowners to join us by enrolling their vessels in our programme to secure the sustainability of seafaring; children are inspired to become seafarers because of the direct contact with the captain – who is their new hero all school year round.”

The seminar was hosted by maritime legend Capt Sir Ian McNaught, Master Mariner and captain of ships for Cunard and Seabourn including the last Captain of the QE2.

Guests for the packed session also had the chance to engage in a panel discussion on seafarer welfare with representatives from the four supported charities.

Lola Fadina, Director of Maritime for the Department for Transport, also attended the seminar and delivered a guest speech.