On 6 May 2026, the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund (SWF), led by its President Patrick Bouquet, held a high-level brainstorming session at Trevessa House, bringing together key maritime stakeholders to strengthen coordination in support of seafarers.
The meeting, held after more than four years, brought together representatives of the SWF, the Mauritius Sailors’ Home Society (MSHS), the Apostleship of the Sea and Mission to Seafarers, alongside religious and institutional figures including Bishops Sténio André and Jean-Michaël Durhone, Father Jacques Henri David, and MSHS President David Hugguett. Held during the Ocean Week organised by the Ministry of Blue Economy, the session further highlighted the alignment of national efforts aimed at strengthening the maritime industry.
Discussions featured several key interventions. Mr. Ubhee, Welfare Officer at the SWF, outlined the Fund’s role since 2008 in supporting seafarers and their families through welfare schemes and ship visits. Mr. Prayag, representing the MTPEU, raised concerns over declining interest in maritime careers and stressed the need for regular reviews of support schemes. Mr. Meyepa, Director of Stella Maris, emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the effective operation of the seafarers’ centre, noting that it cannot function independently without strategic partners. Captain Jacques Goilot highlighted opportunities for developing international partnerships in seafarer training.
The SWF also expressed its deep gratitude to maritime and port agents, represented by their President Vick Tahalooa and Secretary Vanina Hélène. Their financial contributions, levied on each vessel operating at Port-Louis, form the essential funding base that enables the SWF to fulfill its statutory mandate and ensure continuity in its support services for seafarers.
Other discussions focused on financial and operational challenges, including support for stranded seafarers, as well as opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships with regional associations.
The SWF confirmed that it is reviewing its eligibility criteria to remove outdated restrictions and widen access to assistance. President Patrick Bouquet reiterated that the Fund continues to rely on contributions from shipping agents to sustain its activities.
On 8 May, marking his first year in office, President Patrick Bouquet reaffirmed his determination to pursue the SWF’s mission with dedication and responsibility. He underscored the Fund’s ongoing efforts to support Mauritian seafarers both active and retired as well as foreign seafarers in transit or facing difficulties in Port-Louis.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthened collaboration across the sector, with participants also looking ahead to the celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June, under the theme: “Shipping world trade. Bearing the risks.”
A lunch was offered to all participants, who also paid tribute to Father Jacques Henri David for his 40 years of dedicated service to seafarers
