Speech Highlights the Realities of Combating Piracy, In Excess of £11k Raised for Worldwide Maritime Charity

Key industry figures attended the Sailors’ Society London City Shipping Dinner held at Lloyd’s Register on Thursday 26th January.

The intimate charity event was kindly hosted by Lloyd’s Register and raised over £11,000 for the Sailors’ Society.  Tom Boardley, Marine Director of Lloyd’s Register; Vice Admiral Sir Christopher Morgan KBE, Sailors’ Society Campaign Board; and Flemming Jacobs, Sailors’ Society Trustee, hosted the evening. Companies including ABS, Pacific Basin Shipping (UK) Ltd, BRS Futures, Maersk, Teekay Corporation, Chemring Marine and Foresight Ltd lent their support to the charity by attending the Dinner.

Guests were treated to a fabulous dinner in the spectacular Lloyd’s Register General Committee Room and enjoyed a fascinating presentation on the realities of combating piracy by Guest Speaker Capt. Michael Walliker OBE RN.

Capt. Walliker recently completed his command of HMS Richmond conducting counter piracy and maritime security operations and Far East international engagement.

Tom Boardley said, ‘The evening was very enjoyable and for a very good cause. It gave us great pleasure to welcome the industry into our headquarters.’

Guests also enjoyed a talk by Lloyd’s Register’s resident historian who gave fascinating insights into the history of the room and building. Two pieces of Artwork, Chagall’s Jacob’s Ladder and Dali’s Heaven Canto 19 were successfully bid for on the night in a Silent Auction.

Jan Webber, Sailors’ Society Director of Fundraising, said, “We are extremely grateful to Lloyd’s Register for generously hosting the evening; to our Guest Speaker, Capt. Michael Walliker, for his riveting speech; and of course to our guests. Piracy is one of many dangers experienced by modern seafarers and it is encouraging that so many in the industry are keen to learn more and do all they can to prevent attacks occurring.

“The Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains are on hand to give vital assistance to seafarers and their families, such as giving emotional support to those who have had harrowing experiences or simple practical help such as a phone card to contact loved ones. Our generous donors enable this essential work to continue”.

The Sailors’ Society is also running a Hong Kong Shipping Dinner in the elegant Island Shangri-La Hotel on 29th February 2012 as part of China Maritime Week.  Pacific Basin Shipping and the Noble Group are kindly sponsoring the event. Popular sports presenter Dougie Donnelly will entertain guests with anecdotes from his experiences of working with some of the biggest names in world golf including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and his long time friend Colin Montgomerie. Limited spaces are still available for the dinner. For more information please contact Jo Rich on +44 (0) 23 8051 5958 or email jrich@sailors-society.org.