From Shipwrecked to Ship Shape - FSH Sails to the Rescue
It took only a few minutes for the Seafarers mission on Immingham Docks to be wrecked during the devastating flood caused by December's tidal surge in 2013, which caused an estimated £40 million worth of damage to the towns docks.
The Mission of Seafarers provides chaplaincy services and recreational facilities to visiting crews and is a vital lifeline for seafarers; many of whom may have been at sea for many weeks and months with no contact with family or friends. It also offers free Wi-Fi and IT facilities, a well-stocked shop, games rooms and relaxation areas and a chapel for quiet reflection. The chaplains also visit ships berthed at the port and often take seafarers on visits; they can also provide clothing and food for those in need.
But thanks to the unique skill set of FSH Maintenance Ltd the centre is back up and running much to the delight of seafarers. FSH were on site within days of the flooding to carry out vital strip out works to facilitate drying and helping provide a temporary office on the first floor to enable the centres vital work to continue. Due to FSH’s unique skills, the drying was kept in house which helped shorten the total project duration. Under the leadership of Wayne Jackson, Contracts Manager for FSH’s D team, a full reinstatement schedule has been carried out with works including a plush cafe bar serving hot food and drinks. There is also Wi-Fi communication throughout the centre as well as large TV screens and the function room, with its hi-tech projection system, can be used as a conference room. The Seafarers games room boasts table tennis, table football and a pool table. The centrepiece of the newly revamped centre is a map of the world with the names of all the ports seafarers visit and their homelands.