A stable and supportive home plays a vital role in a seafarer’s ability to perform at their best. Behind every crew member on board is a spouse who manages the family, finances, and daily responsibilities single-handedly while their partner is at sea. Understanding their significant role, Wilhelmsen Ship Management has launched a dedicated Seafarer Spouse Well-Being Program to support their mental resilience and overall quality of life.

Last week, we successfully held our first in-person session in Manila, Philippines, attended by 32 seafarer wives. The event was designed to create a safe and encouraging space for sharing, learning, and building confidence.

The afternoon began with a welcome message from Wiebke Schütte, Vice President Marine Personnel, who expressed gratitude to the wives for their unwavering support of our seafarers. This was followed by an inspiring keynote session led by a motivational speaker, focusing on self-clarity, personal strength, and emotional resilience.

Wiebke opens the event with a heartfelt message of appreciation to the seafarers’ partners, followed by a keynote session on clarity and resilience.

To ensure wider participation, the session was also broadcasted live on our official Facebook page, allowing spouses who could not travel to Manila to join remotely and benefit from the session.

Participants enjoyed a casual lunch and were invited to try our VR navigation simulator, offering them a small glimpse into the environment their spouses experience at work. The activity brought smiles, curiosity, and even a bit of friendly competition — especially from those steering under the watchful eyes of their husbands.

Participants enjoying lunch, followed by a hands-on session with the VR navigation simulator.

This inaugural session marks the beginning of our commitment to supporting the families behind our seafarers. By strengthening the well-being of spouses, we also strengthen the overall support system of our crew on board.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this first session — and to the spouses who joined us with open hearts. More sessions and supportive activities will follow as we continue building this meaningful program.

A group photo of all participants, carrying home one message: your role matters, your support is felt, and your well-being is important.