2026 Silver Bells Award celebration raises more than $825,000

The evening opened with the Silver Bell Award event’s signature “Blessing of the Vessels” procession on the Hudson River, Photo: SCI/Leo SorelF

The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) welcomed 635 maritime leaders and professionals to Chelsea Piers in New York City on June 11 for its annual Silver Bell Award celebration. Genco Shipping and Trading Chairman and CEO John C. Wobensmith was the,recipient of the Silver Bell Award, former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan (USCG, Ret.) recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event raised more than $825,000 in support of SCI’s work serving mariners and seafarers around the world.

Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Adm. Fagan reflected on SCI’s vital role: “Seamen’s Church brings compassion, kindness, dedication, but most importantly, humanity—humanity to the seafarers who find themselves often in difficult or challenging situations. But they bring humanity and empathy to those mariners who help provide for our way of life here in this country.”

“I am eternally grateful for this recognition and for Seamen’s Church and what they do, each and every day for mariners.” she said.

“No achievement like this happens alone,” said Wobensmith, in accepting the Silver Bell Award, “And I am fortunate to have been surrounded throughout my career by extraordinary team members and colleagues, partners, mentors, and of course, close friends. At Genco, I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of people that make me look good every day…And this award is as much of a reflection of their efforts as it is my own.”

“So, while I am grateful to be the person receiving the Silver Bell Award,” he concluded, “I view it as something much larger than an individual recognition; it’s a celebration of Seamen’s Church’s mission, the maritime community, of my Genco colleagues, and above all, the mariners and seafarers who’s work connects the world every day.”

SCI President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt said: “This year, we were proud to recognize John and Linda: two exemplary leaders whose compassion, dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on the people they work with and on the mariners and seafarers who are the backbone of this industry. The Silver Bell Awards Dinner brings together the very best of the maritime industry, and SCI always looks forward to this event. We are always deeply grateful for the remarkable generosity that stems from this event and supports our mission and our work.”

The evening opened with the event’s signature “Blessing of the Vessels” procession on the Hudson River, led by the Right Rev. Matthew Heyd, Episcopal Bishop of New York, joined by the Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles of Trinity Church NYC, the Rev. Nestlehutt, and SCI Chaplain the Rev. James Kollin.

This year’s program also included a special tribute to maritime industry leader and former SCI Trustee Jim Lawrence, who passed away in 2025. The tribute featured a commemorative video and remarks from his son-in-law, Jonathan Chia of MTI Network.

Additional highlights included a processional led by the Port Authority Police Department Pipes & Drums, the Presentation of Colors by U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York, and performances of the National Anthem and closing hymn by a quartet from the Trinity Choir of Trinity Church NYC.