A higher purpose leads to greater job satisfaction

“Without seafarers, the global economy would collapse, and millions of jobs around the world would be at risk. That is why it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers.”

With these words, Irene Rosberg opened a panel debate at the World Maritime Forum at the Bella Sky Conference Center in Copenhagen on February 18, 2025. She is the director of the MBA program in Shipping and Logistics at Copenhagen Business School.

Mental health must be integrated into everything

So how do we ensure the welfare of seafarers? Five panelists from the shipping industry each gave their perspective.

• We are deeply committed to safety, and we believe that a ship is only as good as its crew, said Søren Bendixen, Head of Recruitment at Esvagt.

• It is important that the crew does not isolate themselves on board. There is a significant risk of loneliness at sea, said Ulla Jensen, Managing Director of V.Ships in Germany and Denmark.

• We want to ensure that our seafarers are both physically and mentally healthy and capable of performing their duties. That is why the psychological aspect must be considered in everything that affects seafarers’ well-being, said Simon Grainge, CEO of the International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN).

The need to look beyond oneself

Charlotte Nørholm Dyhr from Mercy Ships Denmark added:

“We have more than 3,000 volunteers on Mercy Ships, so we truly care about their well-being and ensuring they have an amazing experience on board.”

However, she noted that the reason she participated in the panel debate was to discuss the shared challenge of attracting seafarers.

“This is even more crucial for us since our crew works on a voluntary basis. I believe that motivation must come from something beyond oneself. We need to see a bigger perspective, connect with others, and find a higher purpose.”

General Secretary, Charlotte Nørholm Dyhr and Fundraising Manager Vibeke Hauge Førrisdahl from Mercy Ships Denmark.

‘Give your crew a stay on Mercy Ships’

Charlotte Nørholm Dyhr did not hide the fact that Mercy Ships aims to partner with companies in the shipping industry that might offer their crew a paid stay on one of Mercy Ships’ two hospital ships, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy.

• People need bigger challenges than just salaries and bonuses. They ask: Where can I make a difference that benefits more than just myself?

The other panelists nodded in agreement and then added their insights from their respective areas of expertise:

• Seafarers work in a unique psychological environment. Since they live and work in the same space, they do not have the same opportunity to unwind as they would if they went home after an eight-hour workday, said Simon Grainge. – Moreover, many, especially the two percent of female crew members, experience bullying and harassment.

ADHD is an advantage in shipping

“I see many crew members struggling with mental health issues”, said Hanne Jensen, psychologist and HR manager at Fjord Line.  “We can address this in a positive way. It is called neurodiversity, which means recognizing that not all brains function the same way. And it turns out that the highly regulated nature of the shipping industry is beneficial for crew members with ADHD. It helps them a lot. Having a fixed schedule, reporting at a specific time, and following a structured daily routine suits them exceptionally well.”

Health and care on board

But are ships equipped to support crew members with these challenges?

Yes, a lot is being done to prevent issues. For example, V.Ships organizes regular family days where a seafarer’s spouse and children can visit the company. Most crew organizations have a 24/7 hotline where seafarers can call for support, and a fundamental sense of predictability in contracts, wages, and working conditions creates a sense of security.

“We are a bit different because we are hospital ships. We have medical clinics, doctors, nurses, and even chaplains on board, said . Additionally, since people are on board to care for others, they also take care of each other.” Says Charlotte Nørholm Dyhr.

She then returned to the idea of a “higher purpose” in going to sea – working for more than just a salary and pension. In fact, purpose and meaning have been identified as key factors in research on seafarers’ happiness.

Hope and optimism create well-being

This was confirmed by the panel’s moderator, Steven Jones from The Mission to Seafarers, which conducts the Seafarers Happiness Index:

“It is exactly as you say at Mercy Ships. A sense of purpose and a shared mission improve well-being on board.”

The Happiness Index is based on 10 questions to seafarers about various aspects, from workload to onboard catering.

• The survey shows that it is essential to have time and space to get to know each other on board, to work together, and to engage in activities as one would at home. But, of course, it is also about something very basic—having a sense of hope, optimism, and the security of knowing that wages will be paid on time. Knowing that, at the end of the journey, seafarers can return home to their families.

• There is so much uncertainty in seafaring that anything providing even a small sense of stability is crucial for onboard well-being.

Mercy Ships was the Charity Partner at the World Maritime Forum at Bella Sky in Copenhagen on February 18-19, 2025. The forum gathered over 700 participants from the maritime industry, including shipowners, managers, shipbuilders, ports, authorities, tech companies, and service providers. Attendees were inspired by 70 speakers across 10 different panel debates. During breaks, they could explore the topics further at 50 exhibitions, including opportunities to discuss partnerships with Mercy Ships.

Learn more at: https://worldmaritime-forum.com/
Discover more about Mercy Ships at: www.mercyships.dk

MARPRO Group is an official recruitment partner for Mercy Ships and an official Media Partner for World Maritime Forum.

Article by Svend Løbner, freelance journalist