⚓ International Maritime Welfare Initiative

Improving Seafarers'
Wellbeing Through
Research, Technology
and Global Cooperation

IMWIRSA is an independent international initiative dedicated to advancing evidence-based seafarer welfare through research, digital innovation and collaboration across every port in Europe.

"

Seafarers keep the world moving.
It's time the world takes care of them.

1.9M+
seafarers worldwide
5
pilot ports launching 2026–2028
4
languages at MVP launch
24/7
volunteer support
The Problem With Welfare Today

Why a new approach is needed

Seafarers' welfare has relied on the same model for decades: independent port clubs, each working alone, invisible to the seafarer until they happen to find the door. The numbers show why that is no longer enough.

👥
1.9M+
seafarers keep global trade moving
(IMO, 2023)
🧠
30%
report symptoms of depression or anxiety
(Sailors' Society, 2023)
⚠️
70%
of maritime accidents are linked to human factors
(IMO, 2021)
😴
2–3×
higher risk of fatigue at sea vs other industries
(WMU, 2022)
💙
60%
feel isolated during long contracts
(ITF, 2023)
The Old Model

Isolated port clubs

  • Every seafarers' centre works alone, with its own systems
  • A seafarer has no way to know what's available before arriving in port
  • Information is outdated, paper-based or word-of-mouth
  • No shared data — no way to measure impact or improve
The IMWIRSA Model

One connected ecosystem

  • A single digital layer connects every port, centre and volunteer
  • Live, curated information — updated by a real local coordinator
  • One app, one experience, in the seafarer's own language
  • Evidence-based, measurable, continuously improved
The Product

MWApp — your Maritime Welfare Assistant

A progressive web app, no install needed. One tap gives a seafarer everything they need to know about the port they've just arrived in.

9:41●●●● 🔋87%
Your Maritime Welfare Assistant
IMWIRSA
📍 Hamburg
Germany · Landungsbrücken Terminal
✅ Open
🌡 22°C
UTC+2
👤
Sophia — MWApp Assistant
"Welcome back! The Seafarers' Centre is open until 9 PM. Free shuttle departs in 15 min."
🏠 Seafarers' Centre
🏛
Hamburg Seafarers' Club
0.6 km · Krayenkamp 5
Open until 21:00
🚌 Transport
🚐
Free Shuttle — Terminal Gate A
Next: 14:30 · Free for all seafarers
🗺️

Live Port Card

Real-time info about every port: transport, seafarers' centre, pharmacy, emergency contacts — updated by a local Port Welfare Manager.

🧑‍💼

Local Port Welfare Coordinator

A real person who knows the port personally. Call, chat or get directions — one tap away, always.

💬

Volunteer Support Line

Anonymous live chat with a trained volunteer. Available 24/7 across time zones for any situation.

Wellness Recovery Zone

Access to psychological relief services, partner discounts and priority support near the seafarers' centre.

Explore MWApp → MVP launching 2026
Simple By Design

How it works

From stepping off the gangway to finding real help — in four steps.

01

Open MWApp

No installation — it opens straight in the browser, and remembers your language and preferences.

02

Meet your assistant

Choose the MWA assistant who feels right for you — it guides you through everything else.

03

See your port, live

Transport, centre, medical, safety — curated by a real Port Welfare Manager on the ground.

04

Get real support

One tap connects you to a volunteer, the wellness zone, or the seafarers' centre nearby.

Recovery, Close By

Wellness Recovery Zones

A quiet space, close to the seafarers' centre, where a partner specialist offers a moment of real relief — massage, counselling, or simply calm — between long stretches at sea.

💆

Local specialists

Vetted, port-based professionals in massage, physiotherapy and psychology.

🤫

Discreet & judgement-free

Booked privately through MWApp — no paperwork through the shipping company.

🪪

Union card priority

Priority access and partner discounts for union members.

Learn how zones are set up →
🌊

Why it matters

Long contracts and isolation take a measurable toll on mental health. A short, human moment of care — physical or psychological — measurably improves mood, focus and safety on the next watch.

Phase 1 · 2026–2028

Our Port Network

Five pilot ports form the first ring of the IMWIRSA network — chosen for traffic volume, seafarer footfall and strong local welfare partners.

See the full Pilot Network →
Evidence-Based Approach

Research supports innovation

Every product decision at IMWIRSA is grounded in peer-reviewed research and data from leading maritime and academic institutions.

Mental health and wellbeing of seafarers
A comprehensive review of mental health challenges and support strategies globally.
Read more →
The human element in maritime safety
Wellbeing, fatigue and performance in shipping operations.
Read more →
Seafarers and decent work in shipping
Global standards for seafarers' working conditions under MLC 2006.
Read more →
Visit the Research section →

Ready to join our network?

Whether you are a seafarers' centre, a mission, a union, a port authority or a shipping company — we want to hear from you. First meeting is online, 30 minutes.

Or write directly: info@imwirsa.org