VOLENDAM HELPS UKRAINE

Holland America Line is basing its ship, Volendam, in Rotterdam for the next three months to provide a temporary home for up to 1,500 people fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine.

Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, said: “We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing, so we felt it was very important to work with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship.

“Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life. So today we’re proud to be a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have tragically been displaced.”

Volendam was originally scheduled to resume sailings on May 15 but will now return to service on July 3. The company has also launched a $1 million emergency assistance fund for Ukrainian staff (hollandamerica.com).