LONDON / GANDHIDHAM  : The winners of the 2012 International Seafarers' Welfare Awards were announced on  November 28,  2012 during a high profile ceremony hosted by Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, Mr Koji Sekimizu at the International Maritime Organisation in London.

 

The winners for the Port of the Year: Port of Kandla. The Award was received by  Dr P D Vaghela, IAS, Chairman Kandla Port Trust.

 

The award was given looking to the efforts taken up by Kandla Port Trust under the leadership of Dr P D Vaghela, IAS, and his team in the Seafarers Welfare Activities like setting up of a Seafarers Centre of International Standard which was inaugurated on 26th January, 2012

 

Also this year Joseph Chacko, Administrator Kandla Seafarers Welfare Association was shortlisted as Welfare Personality of the Year among the five personalities from Thailand, Italy and Australia.

 

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

 

Earlier in the day Dr P D Vaghela, IAS, Chairman Kandla Port Trust was one of the speakers in  Seminar on MLC 2006 and he spoke about the relationship between Port and Seafarers Welfare and how he could achieve so much with the support of Trustees of Kandla Seafarers Welfare Association, Port Users and officials of Kandla Port Trust. He also acknowledged the commitment of the staff of Seafarers Centre Kandla.

 

The Award has brought a huge credit for India as this is the first time that any Indian Port is getting such a prestigious award.

 

The award was given in the presence of representatives of the countries world over and leaders of maritime business sector and trade unions.