Thanking Merchant Ships and Sailors

commercial ships

Merchant ships and their sailors are giving valuable service not just to their country of origin but to the world. Now that they are not auxiliaries to their countries’ navy (at least not yet), merchant ships are still vital to keep the world economy flowing. Their sailors too constantly endure grueling tests of character from the seas; without these sailors, merchant ships would remain floating ironclads without real purpose. That’s why it’s important to recognize the merchant ships and their sailors for their contribution to society in times of peace.

Moving the world’s commerce

cargo ships

Merchant ships move the world’s commerce from exotic food items to products that make living bearable to items that save lives. Without the world’s merchant vessels, economies would come to a screeching halt; in fact, 80 percent of the world’s commerce is exchanged through merchant ships. The world’s oceans have become highways for the goods from America to the rest of the world and vice versa. Cargo ships, container ships, oil tankers, car ships, reefers, etc. all fulfills important roles of their own taking head-on the tempest of the sea just to bring their cargo to the country in need.

Disaster relief

disaster relief

Merchant ships are also vital in disaster relief when aid from the military is not enough to save lives. Nowhere else has this been proven but during the latest disaster relief for the earthquake-torn Haiti. U.S. merchant ships were sent to deliver vital food, medical, and other aid to Haiti where they were needed most. Commercial ships also help in the relief effort in war-torn countries in Africa and Asia transporting food and medical supplies without which a whole community could perish. Wherever they’re needed most, merchant ships are ready to render service even during this time of peace.

Sailors at sea

merchant mariners

Equally hard at work are the sailors manning these merchant ships, facing perils of the sea, enduring many days away from their families. Without them, the merchant ships would be useless; they’ll just remain floating steels slowly eaten away by the ocean elements. The sailors are equally vital in moving the world’s commerce protecting important cargos and making sure they reach their destination in good shape. Every time they set on a voyage they and their family know that the sea could be unforgiving and they may not return home alive or well. Still they endure the thought to fulfill the vital roles that merchant ships and sailors play in today’s modern world.

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