North P&I brings festive cheer to sailors

Marine insurer North P&I Club has sent more than 100 festive packages to sailors aboard ships visiting the North East this Christmas in partnership with seafarer charity Stella Maris.

The first consignment of gifts was delivered to sailors on the Arklow Manor, a cargo ship berthed at Blyth, by Stella Maris’ Paul Atkinson and North’s Alex Farrier.

It’s part of annual tradition by North as part of its efforts to support seafarers around the world.

Belinda Ward, director (Claims), said: “Sailors work extremely hard throughout the year – often without seeing their families and loved ones for extended periods of time. This doesn’t stop at Christmas – a time when many of us are together with friends and families, enjoying the festivities.

“We’re delighted to play this small part in bringing some festive cheer aboard ships visiting the North East over the Christmas holidays.”

About 90 per cent of world trade is transported by ship – including Christmas gifts and food – and sailors often spend up to 12 months on a ship.

The shoeboxes include gifts and tasty treats, as well as some practical items, such as toiletries and warm clothing, that are often hard to get hold of while out at sea.

ENDS

For more information contact Kate Gresswell at Cool Blue Brand Communications on kate.gresswell@coolblue.co.uk

North P&I Club

North P&I Club is a leading global marine insurer with more than 160 years of history in the industry.

Founded and headquartered in Newcastle, North’s reach stretches around the world – with regional offices in Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America.

North is also part of the International Group; an association of 13 principal underwriting clubs insuring around 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.

The group has 90+ claims specialists and the largest team of specialist in-house maritime lawyers.

As well as assisting with loss prevention, North also provides technical and operational expertise from master mariners and engineers with many years of seagoing experience.