Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) was founded in Glasgow in 1920 and is now best known internationally as the Stella Maris network, providing care to all seafarers regardless of nationality, race or faith. The network operates the single largest ship visiting system in the world, with more than 1,000 chaplains and volunteers in nearly 350 ports, visiting over 70,000 ships and reaching more than 1,000,000 seafarers annually.
An estimated 90% of world trade is transported by ship. Yet despite the many economic. societal and technological advances of recent years, the life of a modern seafarer can still be dangerous and lonely. Seafarers spend long periods of time away from home, family and friends. They often work in difficult conditions, with little time ashore, limited dietary choices, access to exercise, education and other support for wellbeing, despite the best intent of many. Stella Maris aims to provide a ‘friend in every port’, offering practical, pastoral and emotional support, a listening ear and acting as a dependable, trusted friend in times of tragedy and crisis.
Formed in 2017 by a group of senior industry professionals active in the international container and maritime sectors, CSSS harnesses its volunteer members’ experience and contacts to implement practical projects that enhance seafarer wellbeing and to raise awareness and understanding of the many issues impacting the health, happiness and human rights of people working at sea.
CSSS maintains a broad dialogue with charities and other seafarer bodies, labour organisations, corporate industry, academia, media, trade associations, government agencies and regulators. The group does not handle any financial transactions itself, but instead works with corporate donors to coordinate and facilitate funding – monetary, material and in-kind – for specific projects that support the work of the many existing organisations worldwide engaged with seafarer welfare and wellbeing.
“We were delighted to initiate the Stella Maris Centenary Rose project to support Stella Maris, one of the longest established maritime charities in the world,” said CSSS Founder and keen horticulturist Philip Eastell. “Without seafarers, world trade and supply chains as we know them today would cease to function. Many essential items, including food and medicines, as well as a vast array of consumer and industrial goods, would not get delivered where and when needed, if at all. We are very grateful to World of Roses who will be making a considerable contribution to Stella Maris for every rose sold.”
By purchasing the Stella Maris rose, Stella Maris can help make a difference to the lives of seafarers and their families around the world at this particularly difficult time.
David White, managing director of the World of Roses, said; “Since being introduced to the work of the Apostleship of the Sea – Stella Maris and the incredible support they provide to seafarers worldwide, I was more than happy to help CSSS and their initiative to introduce a Charity Rose named “Stella Maris” , especially as the Apostle of the Sea celebrate their centenary in 2020. The World of Roses will also be giving a substantial contribution to the Apostleship of the Sea for every rose sold”.