Our Story

Seafarers Coffee Co. was founded on principles of journey and recognition. The transoceanic routes coffee takes around the world is worth paying tribute to the Seafarers who navigate that journey.  Coffee companies often use terms like “Fair” or “Direct Trade” to pay homage to the farmer and identify the source.  Furthermore, praise is given to the expert who roasted the bean to perfection, and final credit is placed on the skills of the barista to deliver the perfect cup.  Certainly every role in the coffee chain is vital, though what is least considered is the time coffee spends in transit at sea. Coffee doesn’t grow in the regions where it is primarily consumed like Europe, North America and Japan. Rather, it is cultivated throughout the equatorial regions of the world and connected to the consumer nations by merchant ships. The seafarers working onboard these merchant ships are the forgotten “essential” link in the coffee chain.

As a Seafarer, I always appreciated the taste of good coffee to keep me alert throughout the many hours I stood navigation watch at the sea. Every time I would return to work on a ship, a few pounds of specialty coffee would top off my seabag. Though, once I discovered how to roast coffee in small batches onboard with simple tools like a stainless steel bowl and a heat gun, my perspective changed. I made it a mission to seek out quality green beans for purchase when my ship called upon ports that export coffee, like East Africa for instance. Back at sea, I would set up on deck to roast a batch.  One day, while roasting coffee on deck with the endless horizon in view, I thought about turning this passion into a business; shortly thereafter Seafarers Coffee Co. was born.  I created Seafarers Coffee to provide quality for those who appreciate great coffee, but more importantly to honor the seafarers who sacrifice their lives to transport it for them.

Chris Moran

Founder Seafarers Coffee Co.