The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is to provide £1m ($1.22m) to support crews and their families hit by the coronavirus crisis.
The emergency fund launched on Tuesday also aims to be a lifeline as welfare services come under threat, the union said.
The outbreak has not only had an effect on business, but also on fundraising, it added.
The fund has two main purposes: to grant payments for specific projects to alleviate hardship, stress and isolation of seafarers and their families; and to provide funds for the maintenance of welfare services.
"The Trust is working closely with the TK Foundation to ensure a coordinated approach to funding and a swift response to the multiplicity of issues arising from the impact of the virus on global trade and the maritime community," it said.
The TK Foundation supports non-profit maritime and youth programmes.
'Incredible stress'
Dave Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust said: "At the best of times seafarers struggle to get recognition for the amazing job they do ensuring the steady flow of household goods, food and commodities around the world.
"Now they have the incredible stress of being stranded far away from their families at a time of extreme distress. It is critically important that the ITF Seafarers’ Trust is there for them at this time of need."
Applications can be made here.
Head of the Trust, Katie Higginbottom, added: "As well as providing for seafarers, we also want to make sure that the welfare services that currently offer much appreciated welfare support for seafarers, survive to serve another day after this crisis is over."
