Princess in tribute to Belfast shipping

The organisation runs a centre for foreign sailors which they turn to when they dock in Belfast, providing a satellite computer phone system allowing them to contact their families back home, access email facilities and a then-to-new clothes shop.

Reception of 100 guests

Addressing a reception of 100 guests, she said: "The statistics you had last year proved just how important the seafarers centre has been. To have 5,500 seafarers through is a considerable achievement and it reflects business here in Belfast. That's over 1,200 ships and it shows Belfast docks are so busy.

She added that the centre serves as "a safe place" for sailors with "familiar faces", adding: "Communication is important on a number of different levels, not just the innovation, nevertheless the ability and hospitality of volunteers who just listen and are somebody to talk to."