The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has pledged continued support to seafarers.
STOAN pledged when it hosted a delegation from the international headquarters of the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) led by Cedric Rautenbach, Revd, regional director of MTS African Region; Bimbo Aduroja, Revd, chaplain of MTS Lagos, and Emmanuel Ilori, Revd, assistant chaplain of MTS Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Vicky Haastrup, chairman of STOAN, assured the delegation of the support of terminal operators in the fulfillment of the mission of MTS.
“The work of seafarers is a noble one. Without seafarers, there is no ship, and without ships, there are no ports. Seafarers work for all of us. They are on the ship for months on a stretch without going home to their families and loved ones. Terminal operators will always support the MTS in their efforts. We commend the Mission to Seafarers, and you deserve our support,” Haastrup said.
She commended MTS for supporting seafarers in terms of addressing fatigue, facilitating communication, during ship abandonment, mental health challenges, ship robbery and piracy attacks, shipwrecks, injury, and many other challenges.
She assured the visiting MTS team that all other terminal operators would be mobilised to render assistance and grant access to the charity organisation.
Also speaking, Mark Walsh, executive director of ENL Consortium, said the terminal has been supportive of the activities of MTS Lagos over the years.
He said ENL will continue to explore ways of removing barriers on the paths of visiting seafarers who wish to interact with MTS personnel for care and support.
Ibraheem Olugbade, executive director of Port and Cargo Handling Services, equally reassured MTS of the full support of the terminal in the discharge of its duties.
Other terminal operators commended MTS for its selfless service to seafarers and assured the team of their support.
Earlier, Cedric Rautenbach, regional director of MTS African Region, said the purpose of the visit was to discuss issues affecting the activities of the charity organisation and how seaport terminal operators can assist in fulfilling its mission.
He said terminal operators are essential to the services rendered to seafarers on board ships visiting Nigeria.
He assured that MTS operates on sound principles and works closely with government agencies and terminal operators to cater to the needs of seafarers across the world.
“We want to work with everyone, and we will comply with the regulations,” he assured.
Set up in the United Kingdom in 1856, the Mission to Seafarers is a Christian welfare charity organisation offering support to merchant crews around the world. It offers emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in centres, and a range of welfare and emergency support services.