Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has extended its charity partnership with international maritime charity, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) until 2022.
For the past three years, HFW has provided important pro bono advice and guidance to MtS which came at a crucial moment in the charity’s long history. This work has and will continue to play a key role in supporting MtS to ensure an effective, relevant and modern global response to the needs of seafarers and their families. With the help of the partnership HFW has helped MtS develop new governance structures to enable sustainable welfare in places such as Argentina, Panama and the UAE.
In addition to the pro bono work, HFW staff have backed the charity partnership by getting involved in a Global Day of Action and arranged team bike rides to raise funds for seafarers in need.
MtS provides essential welfare support to the 1.5 million seafarers around the world, from helping them to keep in contact with friends and families during long voyages to providing assistance in crisis situations.
On hand, for instance, in the Port of Southampton just this week, the MtS Southampton Port Chaplain provided support to the Captain and crew of Nave Andromeda, a vessel hijacked by stowaways. The Captain was so pleased and thanked the Chaplain for ‘bringing humanity on board his ship.’
William MacLachlan, Partner, HFW, Trustee of MtS:
“Seafarers are responsible for the transportation of 90% of all global trade – without them, you wouldn’t have the food you eat, the clothes on your back or the electrical device on which you are reading this. They also have one of the toughest jobs on the planet. A life at sea can mean months away from loved ones, long hours and some of the roughest weather imaginable. For most of us, the hardship would be unbearable.
“We are proud at HFW to extend our partnership with MtS, and to continue to assist its vital work in supporting the 1.5 million seafarers around the world.”
The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers:
“Our partnership with HFW has been truly transformational for The Mission. The firm has provided a wide range of pro bono legal and practical support and has also raised significant funds that have enabled us to deliver help to those who need it most. Seafarers are the international key workers that often get overlooked and we’re extremely grateful for HFW’s experience and support in ensuring the world’s seafarers have the protection and advice they need. We’re excited to continue our relationship.”
To help support The Mission to Seafarers, please click here.
About HFW
HFW is a leading global law firm in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and resources, insurance, and shipping sectors. The firm has more than 600 lawyers, including 185 partners, based in offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. HFW prides itself on its deep industry expertise and its entrepreneurial, creative and collaborative culture.
About The Mission to Seafarers:
The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. We work in over 200 ports in 50 countries caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through our global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in seafarers’ centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services.
