21,000 seamen made use of organised bus transport to and from Antwerp city centre

Last year some 21,000 seamen made use of organised bus transport to and from Antwerp city centre. 17,000 of them used the bus services on the right bank of the Scheldt, most of which operate on regular routes, while 4,000 made use of on-demand services from terminals on the left bank. The organised bus services are provided by Antwerp Port Authority, Antwerp Shipping Association and the Belgian Shipowners’ Association.

Antwerp Port Authority has been working towards the welfare of international seamen for a considerable length of time. “Of course we consider ships, containers and bulk to be important, but people always come first,” says port alderman Marc Van Peel. “We undertake various initiatives on behalf of seamen, to make their time in Antwerp as pleasant as possible. Our efforts are mainly in the field of accessibility.” Xavier Van Engelen, director of Antwerp Shipping Association, adds “In addition to the bus transport, people have since recently also been able to use the wireless Internet service.”

“There are always many social needs to be met,” says chaplain Marc Schippers of the British & International Sailors’ Society. “There have been seamen’s missions in Antwerp ever since 1865. However, over the years the approach has changed. Port stays are shorter, and there has been a great increase in international diversity. I find in particular that because of the higher work rates there is a need for affordable communication and a listening ear. And during strikes we try to provide material help such as food, clothing and blankets.”

The International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare is holding a two-day conference in Antwerp on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February. Discussions will focus mainly on how to meet the needs and requirements of international seamen in the 21st century.

Source: Antwerp Port Authority