ABOUT OUR MINISTRY

A Brief History

Albany Maritime Ministry (AMM) is an ecumenical association welcoming seafarers who dock along the Hudson River in the Capital Region of Upstate New York. Incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1996, AMM was run entirely by its crew of dedicated volunteers. In late 2022, we formed a partnership with Seafarers International House in New York City in order to sponsor the work of two new chaplains who continue to work alongside and support our many volunteers.

The William G. Hempel Seafarer Center, our home base of operations, is located in the Port of Albany and provides a welcome sanctuary for those who have spent months at sea, as well as a gathering space for our volunteers, chaplains, and ministry partners. The center was built in 2014 and dedicated in honor of The Rev. William G. Hempel, our longtime chaplain and directory from 1995 until his death in 2018.

AMM in the news: “Couple ministers to sailors at local ports” (Times Union, July 21, 2023)

Our Work

With two staff chaplains, a crew of dedicated volunteers, and the support of countless congregations, businesses, organizations, and individuals across the Albany area, we minister to the spiritual, family, and practical needs of the 3000+ seafarers from 100+ vessels who dock in the Ports of Albany and Coeymans every year.

Most of the seafarers we meet are employed as merchant marines and crew members around the world. They are part of a vast network of over a million seafarers who transport 95% of our material goods by way of sea, forming the backbone of our global economy. By the time they dock, most of them have been at sea for many months.

The seafarers we serve face numerous challenges, including extended separation from their homes and families, grueling and often isolating work, threats of piracy and dangerous weather, and, occasionally, human rights violations. We seek to offer relief by addressing their spiritual, family, and practical needs, including providing ground transportation for crew shopping and errands and greeting them aboard their ship when they cannot come ashore. We also seek to advocate for their rights and collaborate with other agencies worldwide.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Our chaplains are available to speak at your church or organization throughout the Capital Region.