We all rely on seafarers as over 95% of the world’s trade is transported by sea, yet they are an often forgotten group whose needs are little understood and served. When ships dock today their crews are invariably berthed in a contained security zone, often far from normal human habitation. This compounds any feelings of loneliness, isolation or stress created by spending many months away from their families and homes, as part of a small multinational crew speaking many different languages. The opportunity to go ashore to refresh their minds and spirits and access communication facilities is vital for seafarers but often severely constrained. The Sailors’ Society has researched existing port welfare provision for seafarers and identified two major ports where there are absolutely no services for seafarers. One such port is St Petersburg, the largest port in north-west Russia, with over 140,000 seafarers visiting the port each year. Despite its size there are no welfare services for seafarers in the port. In fact, the Sailors’ Society currently provides the only known Port Chaplain in the whole of Russia. The Sailors’ Society intends to establish services at two sites within the vast the port of St Petersburg, in both providing a Port Chaplain, minibus, modular seafarers’ centre and full communication equipment. Through this facility the Sailors’ Society will provide a personal lifeline for seafarers, offering practical help and welfare, spiritual support and when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison. £380,000 will fund the installation of these services at both sites and the running costs for five years. One other Port in Russia and another in the Ukraine have also been highlighted to benefit from establishment of the same services, information on which can be made available if requested.