Charity row to support seafarers

With its position at one end of Strait of Malacca, Singapore is a natural trade haven. In 2013, Singapore's Economic Development Board reported the island country as the world's largest manufacturer of oil and gas jack-up rigs. Together, these facts underlie the small country's big status in the offshore and marine industries.

As I write this, 32 volunteers are rowing approximately 87 miles in a 24-hour, non-stop journey through busy seaways, choppy waters, and strong currents around Singapore to raise money for global maritime welfare organization The Mission to Seafarers.

Founded in 1856, and entirely funded by voluntary donations, today's Mission to Seafarers is a registered charity that offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting over 260 ports around the world in 71 countries.

Headquartered in London, The Mission to Seafarers has a working branch in Jurong-a fitting destination as Jurong Port, the international multi-purpose port operator handling general, bulk and containerized cargo, receives over 17,000 vessels a year.

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Volunteers train for Mission RASI

Over 90% of world trade is carried by the sea. According to the International Chamber of Shipping, there are 50,054 ships in the global fleet. General cargo ships comprise the majority of the fleet, while tankers-transporting crude oil, chemicals and petroleum products, come in second.

While the industry provides work to 1.5 million seafarers, it is also one of the world's most dangerous occupations. Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, 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.

In connection with the nation's celebration of 50 years of independence, the "Row Around Singapore Island" (RASI) project raised S$450,000 even before the rowers set out on their journey.

The original concept for the endurance challenge was conceived and organized by Iain Anderson of RPC, Lewis Hart of Willis and Ian Teare of Norton Rose Fulbright.

Andrew Wright, Director General of The Mission to Seafarers, said: ""The Mission to Seafarers is grateful beyond words for the being the beneficiary of this amazing team effort. The money raised will be used primarily for the Mission's vital and expanding work for seafarers in Singapore. It will make a massive difference to their lives. This event will have a profound impact long after April 2015."

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The Revd Andrew Wright of The Mission to Seafarers Photos by The Mission to Seafarers

This venture has been organized by the RASI committee, has taken 18 months to organize and cost over GBP 50,000 to get off the ground; and is entirely self-funded by the rowers with seed funding donations from various companies such as RPC, Brookes Bell and NYK.

Ian Teare, of Mission RASI sponsor Norton Rose Fulbright, said: "So many of us here work in the maritime world, being at the heart of one of the great global shipping centers; and we rely on the 1.5 million hardy merchant seafarers who go to sea for many months at a time to bring all of us 90% of the goods we use every day. Being a seafarer these days is a hard and often lonely business, it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to come ashore during port calls to do simple things like contact their families. Even when things are going well, isolation and loneliness are an on-going challenge which is not to be underestimated. We all rely on seafarers; seafarers rely on the Mission."

Other main project sponsors include:, ASP Ship Management, AXA, BW Maritime, Centaurs Group, Catlin Insurance, Kukri Sports Singapore, Masterbulk, Smit Salvage, The Baltic Exchange, The Singapore Shipowners' Association, Titan Salvage, 8ightplus Health and Marina Keppel Bay.

Mission 'Row Around Singapore Island'

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