Ships in the Port of Singapore have been called upon to sound their horns for 15 seconds on May 1 (Labour Day), 12pm.

This will be a special tribute to recognise "the contributions of seafarers in keeping supply chains robust and maritime trade going amidst the Covid-19 pandemic," the maritime authorities said.

Besides appreciation, the horns will also signal solidarity with the seafarers.

The initiative is birthed by four organisations: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) and the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA).

SSA’s President, Caroline Yang, urged the people to appreciate the seafarers not only during the pandemic, but also on a daily basis.

“Most of what we buy and consume are delivered by ships. As a key maritime node in the world dependent on seafarers for the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly mode of transporting cargo, let us laud these unsung heroes who are keeping countries supplied with essentials such as food, fuel and medical supplies, not only during the Covid-19 pandemic, but daily, throughout the year.”

Daniel Tan, the General Secretary of SOS, revealed that seafarers are responsible for delivering more than 80 per cent of the world’s exports, and that they are "fundamental" to the operations of the global supply chain.

Get your horns ready, then.

Top photo by a.canvas.of.light on Flickr