March 2026

Introduction

March has been a month marked by intensity, urgency, and quiet resilience. Behind every statistic and routine activity lies a deeper story of seafarers navigating not only the oceans but also uncertainty, fear, and isolation.

At the heart of our work remains a simple commitment: to be present. Whether through ship visits, transport services to and from the Mts Centre, or the provision of pastoral care and mental health support, we continue to stand alongside seafarers in a time when reassurance and human connection matter more than ever.

Responding in Times of Uncertainty

Although Sri Lanka remains geographically removed from the epicentres of conflict, the ripple effects are unmistakable. Anxiety is felt not only among seafarers but also across communities—especially with many Sri Lankans working in regions affected by instability. Everyday life reflects this tension, with caution surrounding essential resources and shifts in working patterns.

Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, moments of compassion and intervention have defined our work.

One such moment came when eight Sri Lankan seafarers, facing the prospect of sailing into a conflict-affected region, reached out after finding our contact details online. Their message carried urgency and fear. Through swift coordination and persistent effort, we were able to intervene, ensuring their safe sign-off and eventual return home. What began as a call for help ended in relief, safety, and reunion.

In another instance, an Iranian seafarer found himself stranded following complications with signing off his vessel. Far from home and uncertain of his next steps, he turned to the MTS team. Through collaboration with trusted maritime partners, we resolved his situation and supported his journey home.

Similarly, a group of Indian seafarers approached us with deep apprehension about entering a region experiencing intense hostilities. Their concerns were immediate and personal. By engaging with industry contacts and advocating on their behalf, we helped address their fears and bring clarity to their situation.

Each of these encounters serves as a reminder: beyond every vessel is a human story—and sometimes, a timely response can make all the difference.

Ship Visits: Presence that Matters

Ship visiting continues to be the cornerstone of our outreach. More than a routine, it is an opportunity to listen, to reassure, and to remind seafarers that they are not forgotten.

This month alone, nearly 158 vessels were visited. Each visit carried its own conversations, concerns, and moments of connection. In a world where seafarers often feel invisible, these encounters become deeply significant.

A particularly meaningful moment this month was when the Chaplain was invited to bless a vessel.

What may seem like a small gesture carried profound meaning for the Captain and crew, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of peace amid uncertain times.

Home Away from Home

For many seafarers, stepping ashore does not always mean rest. Yet, the Mts Centre in Colombo continues to offer something rare, a genuine sense of belonging.

More than just a facility, it is a sanctuary. A place where tired seafarers are welcomed not as visitors, but as guests. A place where they can pause, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of normalcy.

This month crew from the following vessels have visited the Mts Centre Colombo.

1. Nansha Express (Singapore – IMO No.9778131)
2. Msc Valeria (Panama – IMO No.9461439)
3. Princess Maya (Palau – IMO No.9394466) **
4. Sinar Toraja (Singapore – IMO No.9931874)
5. Msc Paris (Portugal – IMO No.9301483)
6. Msc Samar (Panama – IMO No.9839442)
7. Msc General IV (Liberia – IMO No.9344708)
8. Seaspan Santos (Singapore – IMO No.9301835)
9. Msc Patnaree III (Liberia – IMO No.9250328)
10. Msc Manasa F (Liberia – IMO No.9238882) *
11. Madrid Express (Singapore – IMO No.9447847)
12. Msc Somin (Liberia – IMO No.9967029) *
13. Maersk Tanjong (Hong Kong – IMO No.9332511)*
14. Msc Alessia (Liberia – IMO No. 9987330)
15. Msc Taylor (Liberia – IMO No.9942048)
16. Msc Alessia (Liberia – IMO No.9987330)
17. HW Otto (Liberia – IMO No.9394040) **
18. Maersk Hong Kong (Singapore – IMO No.9784257)
19. Maersk San Clemente (Singapore – IMO No.9699189) **
20. Leverkusen Express (Liberia – IMO No.9613006)
21. Msc Roma (Liberia – IMO No.9304447) *
22. CMA CGM Zephyr (Malta – IMO No.9882487)
23. Nansha Express (Singapore – IMO No.9778131)
24. Basle Express (German – IMO No.9501344)
25. CMA CGM Zephyr (Malta – IMO No.9882487)
26. Maersk Campbell (Liberia – IMO No.9924209) **
27. Msc Marina (Panama – IMO No.9275971)
28. AS Alva (Liberia – IMO No.9337030) *
29. Msc Heidi (Panama – IMO No.9309473)
30. Msc Monica III (Panama – IMO No.9060649)
31. Msc Daria (Liberia – IMO No.9927287) *
32. DP world Jabel Ali (Liberia – IMO No.9972799)
33. ONE Readiness (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952684)
34. Wadi Alrayan (Egyptian – IMO No.9208875)
35. Msc Riona (Liberia – IMO No.9144134)
36. Msc Ilenia (Liberia – IMO No.9962548)
37. Northern Practise (Liberia – IMO No.9450301)
38. Msc Milan (Liberia – IMO No.9964235)
39. Maersk Horsburgh (Singapore – IMO No.9784269)
40. Msc Aurora (Panama – IMO No.9484481)
41. OOCL Atlanta (Hong Kong – IMO No.9285005)
42. Msc Krystal (Panama – IMO No.9372470)
43. ONE Millau (Panama – IMO No.9706736)
44. Msc Krystal (Panama – IMO No.9372470)
45. Msc Keta II (Liberia – IMO No.9225682)
46. Cap San Sounio (Panama – IMO No.9633953) *
47. Msc Salerno (Liberia – IMO No.9968322)
48. Erving (UK – IMO No.9463023)
49. Msc Paxi (Liberia – IMO No.9256391)
50. Lucky Star 06 (Vietnam – IMO No.9428011)
51. Msc Jasmine X (Liberia – IMO No.9214903)
52. Msc Arica (Liberia – IMO No.9619452) *
53. Mtt Pelepas (Malaysia – IMO No.9974228)
54. CMA CGM Nerval (Malta – IMO No.9406623)
55. OOCL Nagoya (Hong Kong – IMO No.9445538)
56. Msc Auriga (Portugal – IMO No.9857183)
57. Msc Tina (Liberia – IMO No.9762340)

Throughout March, crews from numerous vessels visited the Centre, some seeking rest, others connection, and many simply the comfort of a space that feels, even briefly, like home.

In all, 350 Seafarers visited the Mts Centre in Colombo, while 340 of them were provided with transport.

The warmth extended by the Mts Centre staff through simple acts of hospitality continues to leave a lasting impression. In a life defined by constant movement, the Centre stands as a steady refuge.

The Breakdown – The Numbers Behind the Stories

While stories capture the heart of our work, the scale of engagement remains significant:

Ship visits 158

Seafarers at the Centre 350

Pickup and drop off 340

Cumulative Data: October 2022 – March 2026

Each number represents more than activity—it represents an encounter, a conversation, and a moment of care.

Conclusion

In times shaped by uncertainty, our mission remains unchanged: to be present, to listen, and to walk alongside those who spend their lives at sea.

Because for every seafarer far from home, navigating both oceans and unseen burdens—one truth must remain constant:

They are not alone.