The Deputy Chief Executive at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) has received the illustrious Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.
Sharon Coveney is among 12 British seafarers who have been unveiled as recipients of the award on Merchant Navy Day for going above and beyond the call of duty.
The national day celebrates the tireless contributions and vital role of the UK’s merchant navy in global trade and national security. The merchant navy transports cargo and people during times of peace and war and has played a vital role in UK trade and tourism for 190 years.
Commenting on receiving the highest medal of honour within the maritime sector for services to safety and welfare, Sharon said:
“I feel truly honoured to accept my nomination for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. Having begun my own career at sea and later working to support some of the most vulnerable in our communities, I have always carried with me a deep respect for the resilience and sacrifice of seafarers.”
“I value more than anything the opportunity to support the work of maritime charities who dedicate themselves to helping both working and retired seafarers. This recognition is not just mine, but a tribute to the incredible colleagues and organisations I have had the utter privilege to work alongside in improving the welfare of those who serve, and have served, at sea. It is a privilege to continue giving back to the maritime charity sector that has given so much to me and my family.”
Following in the footsteps of both her parents and brother, Sharon joined the Merchant Navy in 1993.
After spending four years at sea with P&O cruises, she then went to work with homeless people suffering with mental illness. She then spent the next 14 years delivering community support and managing accommodation-based support services before joining the MNWB in 2013.
Sharon started as a Port Welfare Committee Manager before being promoted to Deputy CEO where she has spent the last eight years.
Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of the MNWB, said:
“Huge congratulations to this year’s Merchant Navy Medal recipients. Each one represents the very best of our maritime community — people who show resilience, dedication and selflessness every single day. Their impact goes far beyond their own ships and crews, shaping the strength and spirit of our entire industry.
“I’m immensely proud to see our Deputy CEO, Sharon Coveney, recognised with this highly-acclaimed accolade for her unwavering commitment to our charity and her passion for improving the lives of seafarers around the world. A moment to cherish forever.”
Other medal recipients include Captain Chris Phillips, who bravely led his 30-person crew on a rescue mission during the dead of Winter in 2024, saving 89 lives at sea, including women, children and a baby, and Captain Philippa Bowden, who obtained her ice pilot license at the age of 28. In doing so Philippa became the only female British ice captain in the UK with an Unlimited Master’s License meaning she can operate any ship of any size, anywhere in the world.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:
“It is incredibly inspiring to hear about the dedication, bravery, and outstanding service of all this year’s seafarers, each of whom have gone above and beyond in their roles and are more than deserving of this special award.
“I am so proud of the UK Merchant Navy who continue to go beyond the call of duty to keep our country safe and moving, and I congratulate this year’s recipients on their remarkable achievements.”
This year marks 20 years since the Medal was first founded, and 10 years since it was brought into the UK Honours system.
Recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service will receive their medal in a State Ceremony later in the year.
The full list of recipients are:
Captain Philippa Bowden
Marine Pilot & Master Mariner James Charles
Sharon Coveney, MNWB Deputy CEO
Captain Phillip Day
Claire Guy
Andrew Hair
Captain Ian Love
Captain Iain MacKenzie
Captain Christopher Phillips
Captain Hywel Jones Pugh
Julian Seaman
Captain Martin Willis
