The Mission to Seafarers launches its Global welfare services to the Greek shipping community alongside HRH The Princess Royal, its President
The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), one of the world’s leading maritime welfare charities, launched its global services to the Greek shipping community at a special event held at the Yacht Club of Greece. The launch marks a significant milestone for the 170-year-old organisation as it establishes a permanent presence in Greece and deepens its engagement with one of the world’s most influential maritime nations.
The event, held on Friday, 22 May, welcomed HRH The Princess Royal and her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence to the closing reception alongside Peter Rouch, Secretary General of MtS and Matthew Lodge HM Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, the day-long programme was divided into four parts: A Lunch and Round Table hosted by Jan Webber, Director of Development, both bringing together 24 leaders from the Greek shipping industry for a series of presentations and discussions. This was followed by a drinks reception for 100 guests.
A SafeTALK suicide-alertness training session also took place at NorthStandard’s offices in Piraeus. Delivered by Tom O’Hare, MtS’ Programme Manager and accredited SafeTALK trainer, the session brought together 40 crewing managers to experience this important training firsthand, with a view to extending it to their seafarers. With a waiting list of a further 20 it is expected that this course will be repeated in the Autumn
We extend our thanks to our Headline Sponsor, V.Ships, and Supporting Sponsor, Inmarsat, for their generous support of this event and our presence in Greece.
Jan Webber, Director of Development, The Mission to Seafarers, said: “Greece’s shipping sector plays a vital role in global maritime trade, and we recognise its significant contribution to the lives and livelihoods of those who work at sea. We look forward to building trusted partnerships and ensuring our welfare support is well-targeted, relevant, and effective. My personal thanks go to Dimitris Patrikios, V.Ships for his vital assistance with our VIP guest list and Kostas Katsoulieris for allowing us to use NorthStandards’ offices. We have taken our first small steps in reaching out to the Greek shipping community and we have received nothing but warmth and recognition for our work, which is an encouraging sign.”
The round table sessions addressed: Women at Sea: How gender diversity strengthens crew culture and performance, and how much it depends on establishing the right culture and Supporting Mental Wellbeing at Sea: addressing severe distress and the risk of suicide, and focused on how the industry can respond with clarity and empathy.
Dimitris Patrikios, Vice Chairman, Senior Business Development – Mediterranean, V.Ships said: “We are proud to support The Mission to Seafarers’ presence in Greece at a time when seafarer wellbeing is inseparable from the safety and sustainability of our industry. It was a true honour to meet HRH The Princess Royal, whose longstanding commitment continues to inspire action across the maritime industry. Bringing the Greek shipping community together in this way reinforces our shared responsibility to keep the human element at the heart of shipping. We are delighted to contribute to that collective effort.”
In tandem, Peter Rouch attended a Union of Greek Shipowners Lunch also attended by HRH The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence.
Founded in 1856, The Mission to Seafarers provides practical and emotional support to the world’s 1.9 million seafarers across more than 200 ports globally. Its services span chaplaincy and pastoral care, mental health support, emergency assistance, and advocacy. The organisation has supported seafarers of all nationalities -including Greek seafarers, throughout its long history.
The Greek launch builds on this legacy, with MtS now focused on forging partnerships with Greek shipping companies, listening to their needs, and tailoring its welfare programmes to the realities of life aboard Greek-managed and Greek-owned vessels. The Seafarers Happiness Index for Q1 2026 recorded a score of 7.18 out of 10, underlining the ongoing need for proactive welfare support.
The Mission to Seafarers Appoints Guy Platten as New Chair
The Mission to Seafarers is pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Platten as its new Chair. A Chartered Master Mariner and one of the maritime industry’s most respected figures, Platten brings more than four decades of senior leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as Secretary General and CEO of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). He takes up the position from Tom Boardley, whose tenure as Chair is warmly recognised by the board, at a time when the welfare needs of the world’s seafarers remain both complex and pressing.
Platten began his career at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, and that grounding has shaped a professional life defined by commitment to the people who keep global trade moving. Named in Lloyd’s List’s top 20 most influential figures in the industry, he has held senior executive and board-level positions across international trade associations, government-owned entities, and charitable organisations.
During his tenure as CEO of the ICS, representing owners and operators of more than 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, he led the industry’s global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully lobbying governments to grant seafarers ‘key worker’ status and driving lasting improvements to seafarer welfare standards. He was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in recognition of this work.
Guy Platten, Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Mission to Seafarers. This is not merely a new professional chapter for me – it is a homecoming of sorts. Having spent years at sea myself, I know firsthand the loneliness, danger, and sacrifice that seafarers face every day. The Mission was a beacon of support then, and I have never lost my admiration for the extraordinary, often unsung, work they do to support seafarers and their families. I look forward to giving back to an organisation that has given and continues to give so much.”
Platten succeeds Thomas Boardley, who commented: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Mission, and I am delighted that Guy will be taking on this role. As my term of office ends, I can only reflect on all the great work achieved by those at the Mission, dedicated to improving seafarers welfare, often operating under difficult circumstances. Guy will join a diligent and highly engaged Board of Trustees, working with a very experienced leadership team, and I’m confident the organisation is in good hands.”
The Mission’s Secretary General, Peter Rouch added: “The Mission to Seafarers is grateful to benefit from the expertise of those from the wider shipping industry. As Tom Boardley’s nine years as Chair of the Board come to completion, we thankfully recognise the huge experience he has brought to bear in that role. I am delighted that such an experienced and prominent person as Guy Platten will become the next Chair of the Board for MtS. A long-time friend and supporter of MtS, Guy’s advice has been valued by many people, businesses, and organisations, which include MtS, most especially in his tenure as Secretary General of ICS. It is a huge pleasure to welcome him and the wisdom he brings, as with the wider industry, we face the opportunities and challenges of the coming years and continue in our determination to serve both seafarers and their families at home.”
Falvey Cargo underwriting partners with The Mission To Seafarers to support international seafarer welfare
Falvey Insurance Group and its subsidiary companies have chosen to directly align its 2021 philanthropy efforts to causes directly related to the company by announcing its formal support of international seafarer welfare charity, The Mission to Seafarers.
Announcing its support on June 25th, the “Day of the Seafarer”, Falvey is formally recognizing the overlooked keyworkers responsible for vessel operations, and for the safe and smooth delivery of valuable cargo that keeps global trade afloat.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), “The day not only acknowledges the invaluable work of seafarers but also aims to bring global attention to the issues affecting their work and lives, such as piracy. It calls on governments to develop policies that lead to fair treatment of seafarers at ports and asks private ship companies and owners to provide their employees proper facilities and comforts while they are at sea.”
Support of The Mission to Seafarers is not new to Falvey, as the company’s Senior Vice President based in Canada, Isabelle Therrien, has laid some valuable groundwork in the Toronto/Hamilton port region.
Speaking on the announcement, Isabelle Therrien, Senior Vice President Canada of Falvey Insurance Group said: “It has been a privilege to be part of an organization that supports me volunteering some of my time to The Mission to Seafarers of Southern Ontario. As a cargo insurance underwriter, I cannot think of a better way to support the real risk-takers of the global supply chain.
“Whether through fundraising, packing gift bags for the holidays or delivering seasonal gift bags to vessels, it has been rewarding to be part of the great work done by The Mission to Seafarers.”
In recognition of the new partnership, Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary-General of The Mission to Seafarers said: “The Mission to Seafarers is delighted to be making this joint announcement of our partnership with Falvey Insurance Group, who are headquartered on Rhode Island.
“The company has supported our work in Toronto for some time and now wishes to extend its support across our North American operations. We look forward to working with them and helping as many seafarers as possible, whilst engaging Falvey Insurance Group staff in support of our work.”
Falvey’s President and CEO, Mike Falvey added: “Never has there been a year in recent history where the work of the seafarer has been more centre stage. When the world came to a complete stop during the pandemic, seafarers were sailing across the world to ensure the delivery of products including critical supplies.
“Falvey Cargo is proud to support The Mission to Seafarers to express our thanks and acknowledge the men and women who ensure the safe movement of products throughout the globe. We very much look forward to the expanded partnership with The Mission to Seafarers and making an impact on the seafarer community.”
Source: The Mission to Seafarers