Who Are We
How and Why We Help
We were founded in 2017 with the aim of being the human face of the port and the voice of those who often have no voice. We speak out against abuse and injustice while defending the labour rights of seafarers. Our mission is to promote social sustainability within this vital sector of global maritime trade.
A warm welcome, often beginning with visits directly on board vessels, allows us to offer our services as soon as ships arrive at port.
Unlike in the past, seafarers are no longer invisible individuals wandering around the port area or the city of Castellón. We are their welcoming committee when they step ashore, providing on-demand transportation thanks to the minibus donated to us by the ITF.
Our Objectives
Seafarers' Welfare
To be the human face of the port by providing comprehensive care and support to merchant seafarers, safeguarding their human rights, labour rights and overall well-being within the Port of Castellón.
Port Community
To promote coordinated action in support of seafarers' welfare together with the competent institutions and organisations that are part of the port community.
Holistic Care
To maintain and operate the Stella Maris Centre in Castelló, ensuring that necessary resources are available to provide quality services to merchant seafarers, including transport from the dock to the city centre, welfare services at the Centre, general information and spiritual guidance whenever required.
Active Volunteering
To recruit, train and support the team of volunteers and professionals responsible for carrying out the mission of the Stella Maris Centre in Castelló.
Networking and Cooperation
To maintain close coordination with the Apostleship of the Sea, related institutions and organisations, as well as with social welfare entities throughout our city.
Social Awareness
To raise awareness among the people of Castelló about the lives, challenges and aspirations of ship crews through all available communication and outreach channels.
Our Impact in Numbers
Seafarers welcomed at our Centre
Ships visited
Issues of Bitácora Magazine published
Volunteer hours dedicated
Nationalities welcomed at the Centre
Kilometres travelled providing transport for seafarers
Stella Maris Provides This Support and Much More
Wi-Fi and communication services.
Spiritual support and pastoral care
Tourist and local information.
On-demand transportation
Our Centre
At our centrally located two-level Centre, generously provided by the Port Authority, we offer seafarers guidance, a warm welcome, recreational facilities, internet access, communication services to stay in touch with their families, tourist information, friendship and spiritual support.
Just as in ports around the world, seafarers regard Stella Maris as a home away from home. This support becomes especially important during long voyages, when crew members can spend months isolated on board, far from their families and loved ones.
Castellón: A Port with a Human Heart
The Stella Maris project, located opposite the Port Gardens, would not be possible without the decisive and ongoing financial support provided by the City Council of Castellón. Thanks to this commitment, Castellón proudly flies the flag of a caring, welcoming and internationally minded city.
Through this municipal support, thousands of seafarers—including many from distant parts of the world—can rely on the helping hand of a volunteer who will guide and assist them throughout their stay in Castellón.
Become a Volunteer
Join Stella Maris and become the human face of the port.
Your support is essential in ensuring that the 30,000 seafarers who arrive in Castellón each year find a warm welcome, practical assistance and a home away from home.
Help us defend their rights, provide transport, and offer the vital connections, they need to stay in touch with their families.
We get involved and this makes a difference in the lives of seafarers.