As the result of local initiative in the Port of Le Havre in France, breakfast boxes and messages of goodwill are delivered to ships that call at the port of on the Channel coast.
“Since March 15, a French breakfast with fresh baguettes, croissants, jam and other delicacies is delivered to the ships, as well as a supportive message to Captain and Crew. The surprise and happiness are great, they go well beyond this ‘gourmet box,’ as shown by the many grateful messages received,” the port authority said in a statement.
Initiated by the Propeller Club of Le Havre, many organisations are involved with the project. These include The Maritime and Port Companies Union, private terminal operator Compagnie Industrielle et Maritime, religious associations Mission de la Mer and Deutsche Seemann Mission plus the Association Havraise d'Accueil des Marins and the Propeller Club itself, the port said.
Crew welfare has become a major issue in shipping in the wake of Covid-19 as many of them have been forced to spend extensively long periods of time onboard ships as crew changes have been greatly hampered by travel restrictions and suspension of airline services.