Liverpool Seafarers Centre Shortlisted for Social Impact Award at Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2026
Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) are delighted to announce that we have been named a finalist for the Social Impact Award at the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2026 (MMIA26).
Now in their twelfth year, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and community across the region’s maritime sector. Being shortlisted for this honour reflects the tangible, life-changing difference our frontline charity work makes across Merseyside’s docks every day.
Why LSC Was Selected as a Finalist
LSC delivers zero-barrier, dignified welfare support to seafarers who arrive in our ports each year.
Over the past 12 months, our team covered over 65,000 miles across an operational footprint spanning the Port of Liverpool, Garston Docks, Birkenhead Docks, and remote berths along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Several key achievements helped secure our place on the shortlist:
Direct Frontline Impact at Scale: Supporting over 21,500 international seafarers annually and conducting 2,200 ship visits to ensure no crew member arriving on Merseyside feels invisible or stranded.
Restoring Digital Family Connections: Distributing over 4,800 SIM cards and free Wi-Fi, enabling isolated crew members to video-call families and share life milestones, such as a crew member on MV Atlantic Sun celebrating the birth of his child from thousands of miles away.
Environmental & Human Care ("Surplus Food to Seafarer"): Partnering with local national supermarkets to rescue high-quality surplus food daily, delivering fresh produce, treats, and soft drinks directly onto vessel decks.
Innovative Logistical Solutions: Establishing a dedicated pre-arrival PO Box facility for cargo and cruise vessels to receive essential packages, alongside a WhatsApp line (+447957191642) allowing Masters to request SIMs and other requests before docking.
Emergency Medical & Trauma-Informed Support: Providing immediate medical escorts for acute injuries and emergency dental treatment, backed by ICMA "Creating Space for Seafarers' Stories" active-listening training to support crew through anxiety, trauma, and grief.
National Advocacy & Recognition: Raising the profile of the "invisible workforce" at the highest level, following Chief Executive John Wilson receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) and attending a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace, alongside LSC’s recognition as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work (The Sunday Times).
Praised by Ship Masters and Crew
The social impact of LSC’s work is best reflected in the feedback from visiting crews. During a 23-day port call, Captain Job Bibu of MV Saga Fortune noted that "from the very first day, Liverpool felt less like a port of call and more like a home away from home." Captain R.V. Borle of MV Royal added that after visiting ports globally, Liverpool has become his number-one choice worldwide due to LSC’s warm welcome.
Significantly, the crew of MV Asian Pride donated $200 USD from their own pockets to support LSC - a moving testament to the value seafarers place on our services, despite our ongoing challenge of operating without consistent industry funding.
A Shared Achievement
Commenting on the nomination, John Wilson BEM, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre, said:
"To be shortlisted for the Social Impact Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected to Liverpool Seafarers Centre. This recognition belongs to our local associate organisations, our dedicated staff, our incredible volunteers, and the generous supporters who give up their time and resources so we can provide a true 'home away from home.' Most importantly, it shines a spotlight on the brave international seafarers whose dedication keeps our island nation supplied. To be nominated is a great achievement, and we thank you all for your continued support."
The Final
The winners will be announced at the official Mersey Maritime Industry Awards gala dinner on Friday, 4th December 2026, held at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible, and we wish the best of luck to all fellow nominees celebrating our region's world-class maritime community!
