The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) has been named charity partner for the UK Harbour Masters’ Association (UKHMA) Autumn Conference in London next month.
The conference will bring together harbour masters and maritime professionals at the Victory Services Club on 25 November 2026. The event provides an important forum for sharing knowledge, discussing key issues and promoting safety and best practice across UK ports and harbours.
As charity partner, MNWB will raise awareness of its work supporting the welfare of seafarers, fishers and their dependants during its speaker slot and throughout the day. A raffle will be held during the conference, with proceeds supporting MNWB’s work. Delegates will also hear from representatives of the charity during the conference programme.
As the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets providing crucial support to 47 member organisations across the maritime welfare sector, Chief Executive Stuart Rivers is excited by the opportunity.
He said: “We are delighted to be the charity partner for this year’s UKHMA Autumn Conference. Harbour masters and port professionals play an important role in supporting seafarers and helping to ensure they can access welfare services when visiting UK ports.
“This partnership provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of MNWB, strengthen relationships across the sector and generate funds to support our work. We look forward to meeting delegates and sharing more about the difference our members and Port Welfare Committees make.”
Martin Willis, Executive Officer at UKHMA, said:
“We are pleased to welcome MNWB as our charity partner for the 2026 Autumn Conference. Its work is closely connected to our members and the communities served by ports and harbours across the UK.
“We hope delegates will get behind the raffle, learn more about MNWB’s work and help us raise funds for an organisation making a positive difference to seafarers and their families.”
Raffle tickets will be available during the drinks reception on 24 November and throughout the following morning, with the draw taking place after lunch on 25 November.
The raffle prizes include two £50 Amazon vouchers, a bottle of Japanese whisky and a Marks and Spencer hamper, all delivered directly to the winners by post.
You can support the work of MNWB in its mission to improving the lives of seafarers, fishers and their dependents by visiting Merchant Navy Welfare Board fundraising & online donations | KindLink
