The 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.”


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Photo caption: Anna Malloy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager with Father Paul Osunyikanmi, Apostleship of the Sea Chaplain for the Port of Milford Haven and Pembroke Port.


Notes to Editors

Port of Milford Haven

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.

The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.

The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Dock. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites.

One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities. Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes. All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives.

For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:
Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk

Apostleship of the Sea

Apostleship of the (Sea Stella Maris) is a registered charity and is wholly reliant on voluntary donations and legacies to continue its work.

Apostleship of the Sea's port chaplains and ship visitors welcome seafarers to our shores providing them with pastoral support, a listening ear and practical information.

For more information contact John Green, Director of Development on 020 79011931 or 07505653801 or email john.green@stellamarismail.org.