Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in early November 2013, leaving behind it an unprecedented trail of destruction. The European shipping community mobilised immediately to provide Filippino seafarers and their families with much-needed assistance in the aftermath of this natural disaster.

European shipping companies and shipowners’ associations alike made sizeable financial donations to charitable institutions, UN agencies and The Red Cross.

European shipowners raised money and organized the collection of water, food and medicines. Many companies established relief funds for affected employees and provided them with telephone cards and other means of communication (free telephone calls and internet access) to contact their families. Companies also assisted employees in locating missing relatives.

Mobilization also consisted of practical, on the ground support, through the provision of facilities and equipment while several shipping companies offered to transport aid material to the stricken areas, in cooperation with UN aid initiatives.

In addition to short-term assistance, European shipowners also provided medium- and long-term assistance through targeted action aimed at rebuilding facilities and infrastructures and through working with their governments to support national relief efforts.