One of the largest shipping exhibitions in the world – playing host to more than 52,000 international visitors and 2,000 exhibitors – is to recognise the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ‘Year of the Seafarer’ by supporting the global maritime charity Sailors’ Society, drawing attention to the vital practical, emotional and spiritual support it offers to merchant seafarers across the world.
The Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology International Trade Fair in Hamburg has donated stand space to the charity so that it can raise awareness of its initiative, which enables shipping organisations to make their own tribute to the IMO Year of the Seafarer by donating to the charity.
Director of Fundraising Jan Webber said: “We are very grateful to the organisers of the SMM International Trade Fair for their generous gesture of a donated stand. We would also thank Reference Point, who helped us secure the space. This is a great opportunity and it will ensure that we can further engage the shipping industry in our IMO Year of the Seafarer campaign.”
Nele Andersch from Reference Point (Europe) Ltd explained that the conference organisers were equally delighted to have the Sailors’ Society at the event:
“It goes without saying that seafarers are as vital to our industry as the equipment and the ships themselves. Sadly, their spiritual wellbeing cannot be part of a vessel’s maintenance schedule, and they are frequently isolated and suffer in silence for a variety of reasons often associated with being away from home for long periods. We are pleased to donate space to the Sailors’ Society which performs a vital role in fulfilling this essential human support task. Our industry would be a lonely and impossible place for many without their tireless and often unnoticed work behind the scenes.”
Sailors’ Society will be at stand no. 172a in hall B1, Upper Floor, throughout the exhibition from 7th – 10th September.