Maritime charity Stella Maris is committing funding “for as long as it takes” to provide urgent support to seafarers in Ukraine, as well as those making the journey to and from its Black Sea ports.
Seafarers working on vessels that have to navigate Russian threats through the Black Sea face many challenges, including financial hardship and mental health issues associated with life-threatening risks.
The charity’s chief executive, Tim Hill, said: “There is a long-term need to support seafarers in Ukraine and we have committed to cover the core running costs of the Stella Maris team based in the Ukraine Black Sea Port of Odesa for as long as it takes.
“We are providing active support and sending a clear message of solidarity that the maritime sector has not forgotten Ukraine nor the issues seafarers are facing.”
Stella Maris did not divulge exact figures when asked by TradeWinds, but the UK P&I Club and the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation have provided funds to cover the Odesa team’s core running costs for 2024.
“We are very grateful to these two organisations, which have identified the urgent need for ongoing support after two-and-a-half years of war,” said Ian Stokes, head of corporate engagement & partnerships at Stella Maris.
“We are the only maritime charity team on the ground in Odesa, and the support of Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation and UK P&I Club enables us to provide a wide range of support, from trauma counselling and ship visits to grants towards medication, heating and other household costs.”
Patrick Ryan, sustainability director at the UK P&I Club’s manager, Thomas Miller, said: “The UK P&I Club recognises that war in Ukraine has increased the demands on Stella Maris to support seafarers operating in that region, whilst also harming the charity’s ability to raise funds locally.
“The club is, therefore, delighted to be able to provide financial support to enable Stella Maris to keep up its vital work in Odesa.”
In addition to Ukrainian seafarers and their families, Stella Maris supports many seafarers from other nationalities who come into Odesa and other ports.
Jonathan Heard, the charity’s head of major gifts, said: “Often they cannot get off their ships because of the risk, so we go on board and support them in any way we can.
“Often what they need is just the ability to talk to someone they can trust. These seafarers are under a lot of pressure. They are working in a war zone. Some will witness missile and bomb explosions nearby; others will see armed drones.”
In these situations, the charity often sees an uptick in the need for faith and spiritual support, as well as trauma counselling, which it also provides.
Last month, Stella Maris launched an operation in East Africa to support seafarers facing longer time at sea owing to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Stella Maris, the maritime charity of the Catholic church, operates at 353 ports in 57 countries.
