‘Ocean Dream’ docks in Liverpool on voyage of peace and love

Shipping, as most of us would know it, is about commercialism, global trade and making a hard fought profit from the marine adventure. We would probably not consider ships as being catalysts for positive change, and end to nuclear weapons and a driver of social change.

Those things, though, are exactly what the “Ocean Dream” – or Peace Boat is travelling around the world to spread.

She was a recent visitor into Liverpool, as she continued on a world voyage to spread positive vibes and love.

Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment.

Peace Boat seeks to create awareness and action based on effecting positive social and political change in the
world.

This is pursued through global educational programmes, responsible travel, co-operative projects and advocacy activities. These activities are carried out on a partnership basis with other civil society organisations and communities in Japan, Northeast Asia, and around the world.

The charity carries out its main activities through its charter of the passenger ship Ocean Dream, and it travels the
world on peace voyages.

According to Peace Boat, the ship creates a neutral, mobile space and enables people to engage across borders in dialogue and mutual cooperation at sea, and in the ports that we visit. Activities based in Japan and Northeast Asia are carried out from our eight Peace Centres in Japan.

Peace Boat’s first voyage was organised in 1983 by a group of Japanese university students as a creative response to government censorship regarding Japan’s past military aggression in the Asia-Pacific.

They chartered a ship to visit neighbouring countries with the aim of learning first-hand about the war from those who experienced it and initiating people-to-people exchange.

We wish them well with their noble endeavours – next time they visit Liverpool we will have to show them the love that can be found down Mathew Street at 0200!

Find out more about their amazing world voyages at: http://peaceboat.org/english/