February 2026

Introduction

As we close out the shortest month of the year, we observe a rather different and unfamiliar situation emerge. Ship visits have been brisk and regular during the days the Mts Centre in Colombo was operational. A few public holidays, the Mts free transport requiring some technical attention, and a reduction in Seafarers visiting were observed during the month.

The Mts ship welfare visitor team has remained committed to their primary function without letting these external factors negatively impact the work that takes place at the Centre.

Ship Visiting

A careful comparison of data from the months of January and February shows that ship visiting has remained unchanged or marginally higher than in January 2026.

We observed a slight decline in the number of vessels that called at the Port of Colombo in January 2026 (Daily Mirror on 26/02/2026).

Ship visiting is the initial and extremely vital point of contact, as it provides the Mts ship welfare visitor team with the opportunity and space to make Seafarers on board aware of the services and facilities offered to them at the Centre. This also becomes the point at which the Mts ship welfare visitor team encourages engagement with Seafarers and extends vital pastoral care and support through meaningful interactions.

We are aware that Seafarers may be sceptical that we offer essential services critical to their mental wellbeing at the Mts Centre free of charge.

It continues to be our observation that Seafarers are often enduring significant mental pressure in silence while faithfully complying with duty requirements. This must not be exploited or taken for granted. Lest we forget — Seafarers are human.

Home Away from Home

Despite there being a downward trend this month, Seafarers who visited the Mts Centre in Colombo have all been cared for and offered generous hospitality, as always.

This core value remains at the heart of the ministry that the Mission exercises across the world. The Mts ship welfare visitor team takes joy in carrying forward this legacy.

The Mts Centre in Colombo was delighted to welcome Seafarers from the following vessels during this month:

Bobik (Barbados – IMO No.9317781)
Msc Linzie (Liberia – IMO No.9987354)
Maersk Gibraltar (Singapore – IMO No.9739692)
Msc Flosta III (Panama – IMO No.9232395)
MTT Pelepas (Malaysia – IMO No.9974228)
Msc Flosta III (Panama – IMO No.9232395)
Msc Azov (Malta – IMO No.9605255)
CMA CGM Passion (Malta – IMO No.9951563)
Nordtiger (Cyprus – IMO No.9626247)
Msc Precision V (Portugal – IMO No.9450296)
Msc Rowan (Liberia – IMO No.9477610)
ONE Maxim (Japan – IMO No.9424936)
CMA CGM Cendrillion (Malta – IMO No.9449819)
Maersk Savannah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352028) *
Msc Azra (Portugal – IMO No.9932919) *
XIN Fu Zhou (China – IMO No.9304796)
CMA CGM Cendrillion (Malta – IMO No.9449819)
Msc Aurora (Panama – IMO No.9484481) *
Msc Clea (Portugal – IMO No.9720524)
GLS Chloe (Liberia – IMO No.9506382)
Msc Patnaree II (Liberia-9250328) *
Msc Positano (Liberia – IMO No.9154191)
Maersk Aras (Panama – IMO No.9624275)
Msc Manasa F (Liberia – IMO No.9238882)
CMA CGM Amerigo Vespucci (Malta – IMO No.9454395)
SC Gold Ocean (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9323807)
Msc Polaris (Liberia – IMO No.9074042)
Chemocean Leo (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9777424)
Cang Hai (Liberia – IMO No.9678630)
Maersk Seoul (Singapore – IMO No.9306550)
Msc Paxi II (Liberia – IMO No.9256391)
Msc Naomi (Portugal – IMO No.9704984) *
RDO Grace (Liberia – IMO No.9632492)
Fuat Bay (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9663817)
Msc Vanessa (Panama – IMO No.9251688)
Zhong Da You 16 (Panama – IMO No.9646467) *
Charlotte Schulte (Singapore – IMO No.9665657)
Msc Mina (Panama – IMO No.9839260)
Shanghai Express (Liberia – IMO No.9501368)
Shanghai Express (Liberia – IMO No.9501368)
AS Alva (Liberia – IMO No.9337030)
Maersk Salalah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352016)
Msc Monica III (Panama – IMO No.9060649)
Sinar Toraja (Singapore – IMO No.9931874)

It is always such a joy to see them enjoy themselves in this safe space intentionally set apart for them.

The Breakdown

Year	Details	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
2025	Ship Visits	172	154	167	129	148	181	176	176	164	164	146	160	326
	Seafarers @ Centre	316	328	305	295	298	260	445	328	369	320	324	380	644
	Pick up/Drop	298	319	282	284	264	242	416	308	357	313	310	363	617
2026	Ship Visits	141	148											289
	Seafarers @ Centre	314	243											557
	Pick up/Drop	308	228											536

Ship visits 148

Seafarers at the Centre 243

Pickup and drop off 228

Cumulative Data: October 2022 – February 2026

Details	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	Total
Ship Visits	126	1978	1976	1937	289	6302
Seafarers at Centre	128	3229	3737	3968	557	11619
Pick up and Drop	126	3189	3593	3756	536	11200

Conclusion

In summary, despite operational challenges and minor fluctuations in port activity, the Mts ship welfare visitor team’s commitment and consistency have remained steadfast. Ship visiting continues to serve as a vital bridge between Seafarers and the support services available at the Centre.

While numbers may rise or fall from month to month, the heart of the mission remains unchanged — to provide compassionate care, practical assistance, and a welcoming “home away from home” for those who spend long months at sea.

The work carried out at the Mts Centre in Colombo stands as a reminder that beyond cargo and commerce are human lives in need of understanding, dignity, and support.

As we move forward into the coming months, we remain dedicated to strengthening this work and ensuring that seafarers who cross our path feel valued, heard, and cared for.