Shipbrokers, charterers and shipowners came together for a night of drinks and fun at medical charity Mercy Ships’ Cargo Day reception in Singapore.
The aim of the event on 5 September was to promote the work of Mercy Ships in the Asian shipping community.
Although Cargo Day is often held in Europe, the Asian maritime community plays just as big a role, organisers believe.
Singapore hosts one of the five Cargo Day committees, alongside London, Geneva, Rotterdam and the US.
Singapore-headquartered Eastern Pacific Shipping took the opportunity to speak about its upcoming “EPS to the Moon” fundraising event, which aims to raise SGD 2m ($1.53m) to support the work of Mercy Ships around the world.
This year’s fundraiser, which will be held from 12 to 31 October, will seek to cover the distance from the Earth to the moon — 384,400 km — which can be completed by participants cycling, running or walking.
Sachin Saharawat, technical general manager at Eastern Pacific, said: “EPS to the Moon is more than just a campaign; it is a powerful reminder of the unity and community that define us.
“No matter where we are on this planet, we are all connected by the common thread of humanity. It is this connection that drives us to come together, to act and to make a positive impact.”
EPS to the Moon is part of the company’s around-the-world fundraiser, which started in 2020 and is held every two years.
It has raised SGD 2.55m in the past two fundraisers and covered 257,000 km in total.
The event welcomes Eastern Pacific staff and the wider maritime community to “come together in an extraordinary show of solidarity, walking, running and cycling to cover incredible distances and raise vital funds”.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will have a lasting impact on someone’s life,” added Saharawat.
“Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. So, let us unite our efforts, embrace this challenge and reach for the moon.”
Mercy Ships deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering free healthcare and surgery to people in desperate need.
Cargo Day 2023 raised more than $2.2m and involved more than 80 companies.
This year’s Cargo Day will be held in November, with the annual gala dinner in Geneva on 19 September.
