Global Shipping Community honours Dr. Suresh Idnani at ILO - Geneva for "Outstanding Service to Seafarers' Welfare"12^th December 2011, GenevaThe winners of the 2011 International Seafarers' Welfare Awards were announced last night during a high profile ceremony at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva.

The ceremony, which took place on the opening night of the Maritime Labour Convention tripartite meeting, was hosted by Mr Michael Grey, ex Editor of Lloyds List and attended by a number of key figures in the industry, including Mr Arthur Bowring, Managing Director, Hong Kong Ship Owners Association and Mr David Cockroft, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation.The winners are: 

• Judge's Special Award for Outstanding Services to Seafarers' Welfare: Dr Suresh Idnani, India 
• Port of the Year: The Port of Antwerp, Belgium
• Seafarer Centre of the Year: Duckdalben International Seamen's Club, Hamburg
• Shipping Company of the Year: Wilhelmsen Ship Management, Norway & Malaysia
• Welfare Personalities of the Year: Reverend Peter Ellis of Hong Kong and Mrs Paddy Percival of Durban

Commenting on the evening Roger Harris, ICSW Executive Director, said: "Tonight has been a real celebration of not just the winners but all those who are committed to the welfare of seafarers. Sadly the welfare of seafarers continues to bottom of the list of priorities for some companies and ports so it is important that we come together to celebrate the work that is setting the standards that others can aspire to.

I would like to congratulate our winners, thank the ILO for hosting us and all of our sponsors for their financial support but most of all I would like to thank all of the seafarers from around the world who continue to work in challenging environments to keep the global economy moving. "Keith Parsons, Group HR Director at V Ships, the sponsors of the awards ceremony added: "It is important that the vital role played by officers and ratings is given the recognition it deserves.

This is particularly true given that this profession is subjected to the ongoing threat of piracy at a time when the shipping industry is under increasing pressure to perform. The success of V Ships could never have been achieved without the enormous contribution of the seafarers who keep our managed fleet operational 24/7.

We recognise that many seafarers, support organisations and shipping companies go that 'extra mile' on a regular basis and we are pleased to be able to be part of this celebration. "David Cockroft, Secretary of the ITF Seafarers' Trust, who also sponsored the awards, said "we are committed to improving conditions for seafarers, both in terms of their welfare through the Seafarers' Trust and in their living and working conditions through the ITF.

We have long supported seafarer centres and the excellent work they do, but this initiative to recognise employers and ports for their contribution to seafarers' welfare is new. The shortlisted applicants for these awards were all very impressive, and we would like to see all employers and ports reach these standards of care. Holding this ceremony in the ILO, with implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention very close, is a reminder of the importance of the work all of us are engaged in to provide a safer, healthier and better environment for seafarers.

"This year's judges were Mr Spyros M Polemis, President of the International Shipping Federation, Mr David Cockcroft, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation, Mr Michael Grey MBE, the distinguished maritime journalist & ex-editor of Lloyds List and Mr Douglas Stevenson, Chairman of the International Christian Maritime Association.

Other supporters of this year's awards include InterManager, International Shipping Federation, TeeKay Shipping, the ITF Seafarers' Trust, the International Maritime Organisation, International Labour Organisation, the International Shipping Federation, the International Transport Workers' Federation and the International Christian Maritime Association.