The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and Queen Victoria Seafarers Rest (QVSR) welcomed Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP to the Tilbury Seafarers Centre this week as part of his wider visit to the Port of Tilbury.
At the centre, the Minister met MNWB Chair Captain Andrew Cassels and Alexander Campbell OBE, CEO of QVSR and an MNWB trustee. Captain Cassels briefed the Minister on key issues affecting the seafarer welfare sector, including current priorities, the Seafarer Pledge, the MiFi connectivity project, and MNWB’s role as the UK’s national coordinating body for seafarer welfare.
Captain Andrew Cassels said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Maritime Minister to Tilbury and to showcase the real scale and impact of seafarer welfare work in the UK. Seafarers are critical to our economy and global supply chains, yet their welfare cannot be taken for granted—particularly given the challenging conditions many continue to face.
“This visit was an important opportunity to underline both the progress being made and the gaps that remain. Strong, coordinated action between government, ports and charities is essential if we are to deliver consistent, practical support and ensure seafarers receive the recognition and care they deserve.”
The visit brought together key partners, including Labour MP for Thurrock Jen Craft, reinforcing the strong collaboration between organisations supporting seafarers in UK ports.
The Tilbury Seafarers Centre, run by QVSR, provides essential welfare services to seafarers from around the world, offering a vital point of support during port calls. Discussions during the visit highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across the maritime sector to strengthen provision and respond to evolving needs.
The Minister’s visit formed part of a wider briefing and tour of the Port of Tilbury, hosted by Forth Ports. The visit showcased the UK’s fastest growing port, including recent investment, opportunities through the Thames Freeport, and Tilbury’s diverse operations.
During the tour, the Minister also visited the port’s new 16-bay electric HGV charging hub and heard about wider decarbonisation initiatives, including green hydrogen production and alternative fuels, as well as plans for future developments at Tilbury.
As the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, representing 47 member organisations, MNWB will continue to work closely with the Maritime Minister, DfT and partners across the sector to strengthen support for seafarers.
