The International Seafarers’ Center (ISC) reports a significant increase in key visitation metrics for seafarers in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The number of seafarers visited rose from 10,179 in 2023 to 14,029 in 2024, while vessel visits increased from 1,770 to 2,301. This growth can be attributed to a fully staffed […]
Read MoreSCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA) Director, Phil Schifflin, Esq., attended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Human Elements, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) sub-committee meeting in London from February 10-14, 2025, serving as an expert advisor on mariner issues for the U.S. delegation. During the meeting, he participated in a working group focused on a comprehensive […]
Read MoreThe Center for Maritime Education (CME) in Paducah recently hosted representatives from the Alexander-Cairo Port District and the engineering firm BFW/Marcum to conduct feasibility studies for a proposed port terminal on the western side of Cairo, IL, along the Mississippi River. Approved for construction in 2020, this state-of-the-art, multi-modal terminal will better facilitate the transport […]
Read MoreThe Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) has an exciting lineup of maritime celebrations and events planned for 2025, offering opportunities for maritime professionals and supporters to engage with the organization’s mission. Here’s a look at the upcoming events: Maritime Bell Luncheon Silver Bell Awards Dinner SCI Mountain Challenge River Bell Awards Luncheon For more information or […]
Read MoreBy Chaplain Bill Allport, D.Min — International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey. From the Quarterly Activity Report, December 2024 I stood on the quay in Bayonne, New Jersey, waiting for the arrival of the container ship. Earlier that day, SCI received an urgent call from the ship’s agent requesting our presence […]
Read Moreby SCI Chaplain Michelle McWilliams — International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New JerseyFrom the Quarterly Activity Report, December, 2024 I recently had the privilege of accompanying Edie and Maggie, two dedicated Christmas at Sea (CAS) volunteers, on a visit to a ro-ro vessel (a roll- on/roll-off ship designed for transporting automobiles). These […]
Read Moreby Chaplain Nancy Simpson— Ministry on the River, Houston Ship Channel & Gulf Coast Region From the Quarterly Activity Report, December 2024. This year, I began learning French with the intention of connecting more deeply with the French side of my ancestry. Little did I know that this language immersion would also enhance my work […]
Read MoreThe 40th edition of CMA Shipping, North America’s premier maritime industry conference, will take place April 1-3 in Stamford, CT. The event brings together influential maritime professionals, annually providing a platform to connect and discuss key challenges and issues in the shipping industry. The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) will once again be in attendance, with the Rev. […]
Read MoreSCI’s Ministry on the River Chaplains Aid in Mississippi River Vessel Emergency On December 29, 2024, the bulk carrier Clara B collided with and sank the towboat Patrick J. Studdert near mile marker 123 on the Mississippi River, close to Luling, Louisiana. While initial reports thankfully confirmed no fatalities, SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Geoff Davis, promptly responded to provide assistance […]
Read MoreThe Seamen’s Church Institute Welcomes the Release of the Galaxy Leader Hostages The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) and its Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA) are relieved and delighted to learn of the safe release of the hostages from the Galaxy Leader. This event represents a significant moment of hope for the maritime community and for all those […]
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