Captain Kuba Szymanski has been unveiled as the headline speaker for a highly-anticipated charity event at London International Shipping Week (LISW25).
The Secretary General of InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector, will deliver the keynote address at Serving a Purpose – the vital role of maritime charities for the shipping industry.
This must-attend event will see this year’s four chosen LISW25 charity partners – The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), Project Connect and the Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation – take to the stage for a powerful panel discussion that explores their vital role in keeping the shipping industry moving.
“I am absolutely honoured to speak at the maritime charities’ session at London International Shipping Week,” said Captain Szymanski.
“As many of you know, I have deep respect for any organisation which dedicates itself to the welfare of seafarers in need; I can be assured that these people will not be ignored thanks to the efforts of the MNWB and all the hard-working people behind the scenes.”
With more than four decades of experience at sea and ashore, Captain Szymanski has been a tireless advocate for the welfare and interests of seafarers worldwide.
His leadership on campaigns such as Save Our Seafarers and the Martha Project – addressing seafarer fatigue – has made him a leading voice for safety, welfare, and positive change across the maritime sector. He is also chairman of Seafarers Hospital Society – one of the UK’s oldest maritime charities which is a member of MNWB.
President of the MNWB, Captain McNaught was captain of ships for Cunard and Seabourn including being the last captain of the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) before the ship was retired.
He served as Deputy Master of Trinity House and Chief Executive of the Lighthouse Board, guiding its charitable work and overseeing maritime safety as a General Lighthouse Authority.
He will be discussing how the charities help deliver the lifeblood of our sector with the four panellists:
- Caroline Jupe – CEO of IMRF
- Stuart Rivers – CEO of MNWB
- Nikos Marmatsouris – Shipping Adviser of Project Connect
- Laurence Brady – Founder and Director of Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation
These charities are supporting the heart of the global maritime community, operating behind the scenes, building and protecting the future of maritime for everyone, as well as saving lives and upholding the welfare of those dedicated to the sea.
The session, which is free, will take place at Norton Rose Fulbright office; The Design Lab on the ground floor on Monday, September 15th.
Refreshments will be served on arrival from 9.30am. The panel discussion will run from 10am to 11am, with time for networking afterwards.
Places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To avoid missing out, BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE
About the Charity Partners
International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)
For over 100 years, IMRF has led global efforts to innovate, coordinate and support those who save lives at sea. Their work is a testament to courage and collaboration in the most extreme conditions.
Quote – CEO Caroline Jupe:
“At IMRF, we believe that saving lives at sea is not just a mission it’s a shared responsibility. Maritime charities, like ours, operate quietly but powerfully, building global resilience and ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered. LISW25 gives us a vital platform to spotlight this work and strengthen the partnerships that make it possible.”
Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB)
The umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets is committed to improving seafarers’ welfare by raising standards through collaborative industry initiatives and innovative support programmes with its 47 members.
Quote – CEO Stuart Rivers:
“It’s an honour to represent the Merchant Navy Welfare Board as both a charity partner and panellist at LISW25.
“This discussion is a vital opportunity to showcase how maritime charities, all of whom specialise in different fields, support seafarers who are at the heart of shipping and ensure their welfare remains central to the industry’s future. Seafarers are the lifeblood of global trade, and their role should never be overlooked.”
Their vision is to inspire pupils from early ages, connecting ships with classrooms teaching the possibilities of a maritime career. And they’re also doing a brilliant job – connecting maritime graduates with the Greek shipping community, to energise tomorrow’s leaders.
Quote – Shipping Advisor Nikos Marmatsouris:
“Project Connect is a bridge that introduces maritime culture orientation in primary and secondary school systems across Greece and internationally. It also serves as a bridge for shipping and business students who aspire to enter the maritime industry requiring professional readiness and a boost for connection, via work-study programs, youth empowerment workshops and its pioneering CONECT CV PLATFORM.”
They are helping disadvantaged children discover the sea for the first time – through sailing, maritime workshops and the kind of hands-on learning that opens minds and broadens horizons.
Quote – Founder and Director Laurence Brady
“The challenges and opportunities facing the shipping industry worldwide are too many and too complex to face without the immense and unique contribution of maritime charities.
“What stories we have to tell of aspiration, courage, endurance and endeavour. What insights we have on how shipping can be better, fairer, stronger and safer. And there is still so much more we can offer and achieve by working more closely with the shipping industry. I am delighted that the Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation is part of this much-needed spotlight on charities in maritime. What better way to start LISW 2025!”
