Donations amounting to $800,000 have been made to the Port Welfare Committee in 2009-10 to support its cause.

Speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony, committee chairman Kenneth Koo underlined the importance of port welfare to the maritime industry and seafarers.

"Port welfare is a still largely anonymous behind-the-scenes effort that contributes greatly to Hong Kong's popularity as a world-class port," he said.

"But for our seafarers, the people on the 'frontlines' and 'trenches' who make 'maritime' work, the care they receive from the chaplains of many different nationalities based in Hong Kong and other facilities enable them to at least call Hong Kong a 'home away from home'."