UAE-based perfume label, Salva launched “Hope”, a fragrance dedicated to seafarers around the world, stressing the significant role they play.
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, many things changed for people, including their way of life, jobs, and interactions with others. In the midst of the lockdowns and travel bans imposed by governments worldwide, seafarers around the world faced numerous challenges.
UAE-based perfume label, Salva, recognised the struggles of seafarers and unveiled its new fragrance named “Hope,” dedicated to their efforts and ceaseless work. Through this initiative, H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, President of Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA) and Founder of Salva, aimed to spread awareness about the plight of seafarers around the world and offer support to them, while also addressing the impact of Covid-19 on the shipping industry and crew changes during the pandemic. In line with the goal of this initiative, 50 per cent from the sales of the fragrance is being utilised to aid seafarers with the “hope” of making their lives better and their future brighter.
A ray of hope
As of January, 2021, over 400,000 seafarers were trapped on-board cargo ships, with some of them being stranded on their vessels for over 18 months. Despite this, seafarers were the heroes of the industry and ensured the uninterrupted transportation of essentials such as medical supplies and food. However, they too were a part of the unfolding pandemic and had to deal with the difficulties that came with it. Since travel bans and prohibitions were enforced in most countries, seafarers were forced to stay on-board and were not permitted to perform crew changes despite the end of their service period.
H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Founder of Salva and President of AWIMA said, “Approximately 80 per cent of world trade by volume is carried out by the maritime industry and at the helm of this crucial job is the army of seafarers, who are a significant part of the global maritime industry. Despite them being professionals who are critical to the operations in the industry, there is a long way to go in terms of safeguarding their interests.”
“The concerted efforts of The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations General Assembly, the International Labour Organization and governments around the world are helping in a big way. Their call to designate seafarers and marine professionals as key workers is noteworthy. In spite of all this and more, it is our responsibility at a personal level as maritime professionals to support seafarers. It is an honour to be able to do something for the benefit of these seafarers. I am confident that this endeavour will help to attract the attention of the world to the problems that these warriors face on a day-to-day basis,” Eng. Al Malek added.
A local initiative
“Hope” is one of the first “Made in the UAE” products dedicated to seafarers around the globe. Through this collaboration, Eng. Al Malek hopes to draw the attention of the world to the hardships that seafarers face.
Eng. Al Malek is confident that her initiative will amplify her goal of extending a helping hand to seafarers, and garner the support of key leaders and influential names from the maritime industry in the UAE and the Middle East region. Through “Hope,” Eng. Al Malek aims to set an example for others in the industry to follow, and ensure that steps are taken to safeguard the interest of seafarers.
- 50% from the sales of “Hope” is utilised to aid seafarers
- January, 2021: 400,000+ seafarers trapped on-board cargo ships for 18+ months
- 80% of world trade is carried by the maritime industry
Despite them[seafarers] being professionals who are critical to the operations in the Industry, there is a long way to go in terms of safeguarding their Interests.