Robert Ashdown appointed Chair of Stella Maris UK

Robert Ashdown

Source: Stella Maris

IACS Secretary General Robert Ashdown has been appointed Chair of Trustees of Stella Maris UK , the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Robert, who previously served for nine years as a Stella Maris trustee, succeeds Capt Esteban Pacha, who is stepping down after eight years as Chair of Trustees.

Robert's maritime sector experience and long engagement with Stella Maris ensures continuity at Board level at a time when seafarers and fishers continue to face serious pressures, including isolation, family separation, abandonment, exploitation, conflict, injury and welfare concerns. While most seafarers are resilient and well supported, Stella Maris continues to provide vital assistance to those facing crisis or vulnerability.

Robert has been Secretary General of the International Association of Classification Societies since May 2015. Before joining IACS, Robert served as Secretary General of the Cruise Lines International Association in Brussels, and he has also worked for the UK Chamber of Shipping as Head of its Technical Division and was Head of the British Rig Owners Association, representing owners with marine offshore units operating in the North Sea.

Robert is also a long-standing Governor of the World Maritime University.

Robert Ashdown said: "I am honoured to return to Stella Maris as Chair of Trustees. Having previously served on the Board, I know the charity, its mission and the dedication of its chaplains, volunteers and staff.

"Safe shipping is as much about people as vessels. Stella Maris plays a vital role in supporting the seafarers and fishers who keep the maritime world moving, particularly when they are far from home or facing crisis.

"My priority as Chair will be to ensure that Stella Maris remains well positioned to meet the increasing challenges facing seafarers and fishers, working closely with our CEO Tim and his team, the Board and the wider Stella Maris family both in the UK and abroad to ensure the charity continues to provide essential and timely support to those in need."

Capt Pacha will continue to support Stella Maris as an Ambassador, championing the charity's mission, raising awareness, building partnerships and helping extend support to seafarers, fishers and their families around the world.

Capt Esteban Pacha, PhD said: "It has been a privilege to serve an organisation that brings hope, compassion and practical support to seafarers, fishers and their families around the world.

"I am deeply honoured to continue this journey as Stella Maris' first Ambassador. In this new role, I look forward to building new partnerships and strengthening relationships across the maritime community and the Church, and continuing to advocate for the welfare, dignity and care of those who live and work at sea."

Tim Hill MBE, CEO of Stella Maris UK, said: "On behalf of everyone at Stella Maris, I am very pleased to welcome Robert Ashdown as our new Chair. Robert already knows Stella Maris well, having previously served as a trustee, and he brings great understanding and experience of the maritime sector. Robert's appointment will help ensure that Stella Maris is well positioned to meet the challenges of the future, while continuing to deliver on our core mission of providing practical, pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers, fishers and their families."

"I would also like to thank Capt Esteban Pacha for his eight years of dedicated service as Chair of Trustees and we're delighted that Esteban will continue to support Stella Maris as an Ambassador. His experience and commitment to those who work at sea will remain a great gift to the charity."

Stella Maris, (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea), is a registered UK charity. It relies on voluntary donations to continue its work. The lives of fishers and seafarers can be dangerous and lonely. They spend time away from home, separated from their families and loved ones, often working in harsh conditions.

Stella Maris' chaplains and ship visitors provide fishers and seafarers with practical, pastoral and spiritual support, information and a listening ear in the UK and worldwide. Fishers, seafarers and their dependents know that they can turn to Stella Maris for support in times of need, emergency and bereavement.

For more information visit: www.stellamaris.org.uk

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