Liverpool Seafarers Centre’s PO Box Initiative: A Lifeline for Seafarers and Cruise Crew
Liverpool Seafarers Centre's Kinga and Colum deliver shopping parcels to crew on MS Bolette
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July 2025
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Liverpool Seafarers Centre's Kinga and Colum deliver shopping parcels to crew on MS Bolette 〰️ July 2025 〰️
In an increasingly fast-paced world, the demands on seafarers are higher than ever, with quick port turnarounds leaving little time for shore leave. For many, this means missing out on vital opportunities to purchase supplies and connect with the outside world. The Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) is stepping up to bridge this gap with its popular PO Box initiative, a service that has evolved from a vital COVID-19 response into an essential lifeline for crews visiting the Port of Liverpool.
The initiative was born out of necessity during the height of the pandemic. With strict restrictions and shore leave refused, seafarers found themselves unable to leave their vessels. LSC responded by taking on the role of personal shopper, making bulk purchases from local supermarkets on behalf of entire vessels. This required negotiating with store management, who kindly granted permission for the bulk buys, a testament to the LSC's strong community relationships.
While COVID-19 restrictions have since been lifted, the service remains invaluable. Modern shipping schedules often mean vessels are in port for only a few hours, frequently at times when retail outlets are closed. This leaves crew members with no opportunity to stock up on essentials for their onward journey. LSC’s PO Box service provides a crucial solution. Vessels can now make online purchases, using the Seafarers Centre as their delivery address. As packages arrive, LSC staff and volunteers deliver them directly to the ships, free of charge.
The service has also been extended to visiting cruise vessels, where shore leave for crew is often limited. In these instances, the volume of packages can be substantial, sometimes running to several hundred, all delivered to the respective ships by the LSC team of volunteers.
The PO Box service goes a step further. Recognising that some crew members may not have the means to make online purchases, LSC offers a personal shopping service, purchasing items on their behalf. The crew member then refunds LSC upon delivery. This is all provided without any commission or delivery fee, highlighting the charity's unwavering commitment to the welfare of seafarers.
The PO Box initiative is proving to be a resounding success. It is a modern solution to a modern problem, ensuring that seafarers and crew members can get the supplies they need, even with limited time in port. As vessels face faster turnarounds and port calls outside of normal retail hours, the Liverpool Seafarers Centre's service will continue to be a vital part of its mission to support the unsung heroes of the global supply chain.
