Port of Halifax Named 2015 Port of the Year

Excerpt from: AJOT | June 10 2015

Halifax, NS – The Port of Halifax has been named the 2015 Port of the Year by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). The award was handed out during a ceremony at the International Maritime Organisation in London, England.

“It is a tremendous honour to be named as the 2015 Port of the Year in the International Seafarers’ Welfare Awards,” said Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “The Port of Halifax is a very tightknit community and it is humbling to accept this award on behalf of our stakeholders and partner organizations – marine pilots, tug operators, shipping companies, terminal operators, the entire cruise industry and of course the Halifax Mission to Seafarers.”

All of the agencies involved work tirelessly to provide a warm welcome, guidance and support for those international visitors to our port who are often in need of the quiet dignities that we otherwise take for granted. Through the Halifax Mission to Seafarers, vessel crew can make a phone call, access the internet, play pool, worship in the chapel or just relax and chat with a volunteer over a cup of coffee.

Volunteers and staff transport seafarers from the ship to the Mission and throughout Halifax for shopping, sightseeing, and various other errands. Crew working on cruise vessels are able to access free Wi-Fi from the cruise pavilion, something many take the opportunity to do as it allows them to stay connected with family, friends and the things that matter.