Maersk Line proves COVID-19 can't quash holiday spirit

Maersk Line Ltd. this week is acknowledging the stalwart service of its fleet officers and crews during the COVID-19 pandemic with money and with gift baskets in celebration of the holiday season.

The company, which employs members of American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union, sent $10,000 to each of its ships to be used as determined by consensus.

Maersk Line also began sending gifts and notes of appreciation to all officers and crewmembers that served at least 120 days at sea in the fleet in 2020. These packages were sent to the individuals' home addresses.

"This extraordinarily generous effort by Maersk Line will be remembered not only for its substance, but also for its symbolism - the holiday spirit thrives, despite the coronavirus and the unforeseen personal and professional hardships American merchant mariners have endured because of it," said AMO President Paul Doell, who was briefed on the company's action by Maersk Line President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Woodhour.

In his message to the fleet, Woodhour noted the "extraordinary efforts of all serving onboard ships in our fleet the 2020 pandemic. He offered "sincere appreciation and gratitude" to the fleet's officers and crews.

Woodhour said the money sent to the ships went to each Captain, who was encouraged to consult with all vessel personnel on the most appropriate way to use the donations. "Keep in mind the funds should try to benefit those onboard now and those who will be returning as much as possible," Woodhour explained.

Maersk Line Ltd. Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley saluted the fleet complements for "keeping our vessels moving throughout the pandemic, facing unique and extremely challenging circumstances - often including extended periods away from family, quarantine, and/or restriction to ship.

"While the rest of the world largely adopted to social distancing and working from home, the U.S. merchant marine lived up to its reputation and reliably delivered the goods in 2020, including food, medicine, PPE and thousands of other supplies to be people suffering around the world from the pandemic," Hanley added. "These mariners were at the tip of the sword and helped make it happen - and we wanted to say thank you in an unexpected way."