April 2025

Introduction

April has been a month of transition, marked by seasonal patterns unique to Sri Lanka. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year brought about a noticeable slowdown in city life, much like the holiday lull experienced in many countries during the final weeks of December.

Transhipment activity at the Port of Colombo declined in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Below is a snapshot of port operations reflecting this shift:

• Transhipment volumes fell by 6.3% YoY, totalling 1.53 million TEUs
• Total container throughput reached 1.94 million TEUs in 1Q25
• The newly operational Adani-JKH-managed West Container Terminal (WCT) handled 3,552 TEUs
• SLPA-run JCT, UCT, and ECT processed a combined 620,229 TEUs
• CICT handled 807,557 TEUs, and SAGT experienced a 9.2% YoY increase, managing 504,790 TEUs
• Total ship arrivals dropped by 2.9% YoY to 998 vessels; container ship arrivals fell by 3.9%
  (Source: Daily Mirror – 25th April 2025)

Despite this dip in maritime traffic, the Mission to Seafarers in Colombo remained steadfast in its commitment to serving seafarers, whose well-being continues to be our core focus.

A notable highlight during the month was the invitation extended to the Chaplain of the Mission by CMA CGM to visit their Colombo office on 24th April 2025. The Chaplain was warmly welcomed to bless the staff and their working space. This gesture created space for a moment of reflection, reminding us all of the importance of working patiently and compassionately alongside seafarers, who are the true backbone of the maritime industry. Without them, there would be no industry.

Despite broader fluctuations in port activity, the Mission to Seafarers in Colombo remained steadfast in its commitment to seafarer welfare, offering presence, support, and community at every opportunity.

Ship Visiting

Ship visiting remains central to our work at the Mission. The Ship Visitor Welfare Team at the Colombo Centre continues to approach this task with dedication and care. From the 998 vessels that called at the Port of Colombo in the first quarter of 2025, the Mission visited 493 ships—covering nearly half of all arrivals.

We express heartfelt thanks to the Baltic Exchange for their ongoing generosity. Their support enables the operation of the free MTS shuttle service, which has become an indispensable part of our outreach.

Ship visits offer not only logistical help but also emotional and spiritual support. The opportunities to engage and interact onboard often lead to meaningful exchanges where stories of joy, sorrow, uncertainty, and resilience are shared. The process of listening and conversation allows the Ship welfare visitor team to share hope and words of healing and reassurance.

129 Ship visits have been completed for the month.

Home Away from Home

The MTS Centre in Colombo continues to serve as a welcoming haven for seafarers. The Centre offers rest, recreation, and a sense of belonging to those far from home.

This month, we received two significant value additions:

• A foosball table donated by a generous benefactor
• The refurbishment of the billiards table was completed

These improvements have enriched the recreational options available at the Centre, enhancing the overall experience for our visitors.

Crews from 50 vessels visited the Centre this April, with several making repeat visits. (Repeat visits *)

1. Msc Siena (Liberia – IMO No.9987275)
2. Maersk Sarat (Liberia – IMO No.9732591)
3. Maersk Eindhoven (Denmark – IMO No.9456771)
4. YM Mandate (Liberia – IMO No.9438523)
5. Maersk Gibraltar (Hong Kong – IMO No.9738692) *
6. Msc Tampico (Portugal – IMO No.9317937)
7. Maersk Sarat (Liberia – IMO No.9732591)
8. Irenes Rally (Cyprus – IMO No.9964156)
9. CMA CGM Amazon (Malta – IMO No.9706308)
10. MOL Earnest (Panama – IMO No.9333840)
11. Maersk Cardiff (Singapore – IMO No.9529255)
12. Msc Sofia Paz (Liberia – IMO No.9695028)
13. Msc Alyssa (Panama – IMO No.9235050)
14. Msc Sujin (Liberia – IMO No.9966958)
15. Msc Carlotta (Liberia – IMO No.9756731)
16. Yanee (Thailand – IMO No.9401398) **
17. Msc Surabaya VIII (Liberia – IMO No.9330068)
18. DP World Jebel Ali (Liberia – IMO No.9972799)
19. Celestia (Panama – IMO No.9258997)
20. Megalopolis (Malta – IMO No.9477799) **
21. Msc Eleonore (Liberia – IMO No.9954735)
22. Maersk Savannah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352028)
23. Msc Rome (Liberia – IMO No.9964211)
24. Maersk Edmonton (Denmark – IMO No.9458030)
25. Msc Lucy (Panama – IMO No.9289104) *
26. Msc Tokyo (Liberia – IMO No.9318046)
27. Msc Prelude V (Liberia – IMO No.9450325)
28. Xin Beijing (Hong Kong – IMO No.9314246)
29. Panda 006 Liberia – IMO No.9677026)
30. Raffles Progress (Panama – IMO No.9381316) *
31. Msc Josseline (Liberia – IMO No.9742061) *
32. Msc Elaine (Panama – IMO No.9393221)
33. Msc Silver II (Liberia – IMO No.9225249)
34. ONE Reliability (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952737)
35. Maersk Stadelhorm (Singapore – IMO No.9726671) *
36. Msc Esha III(Liberia – IMO No.9326706)
37. Safeen Pioneer (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9640994)
38. Bridge (Panama – IMO No.9158587)
39. George Washington Bridge (Panama – IMO No.9302073)
40. ONE Meishan (Japan – IMO No.9805465)
41. Msc Oblia (Liberia – IMO No.9987299)
42. Tema Express (Liberia – IMO No.9238765)
43. Leverkusen Express (Liberia – IMO No.9613006)
44. ONE Maestro (Singapore – IMO No.9415727)
45. Msc Sujin (Liberia – IMO No.9966958)
46. ONE Reinforcement (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952725)
47. Msc Mariella (Liberia – IMO No.9934747)
48. Cap San Lazaro (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9717216)
49. Panda 007 (Portugal – IMO No.9280598)
50. Nordocelot (Sprit of Bertram) (Portugal – IMO No.9673642)

A total of 286 Seafarers have visited the Centre for the month, and 284 Seafarers have been provided transport.

The Breakdown – April 2025

Ship visits 129

Seafarers at the Centre 295

Pick up and drop off 284

Conclusion

As April draws to a close, the Mission to Seafarers in Colombo reflects with gratitude on another month of service. Despite seasonal slowdowns and external industry shifts, our commitment to caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seafarers has remained unwavering. Every visit, every conversation, and every shuttle ride serve as a reminder that the work of the Mission matters—and that the human side of maritime life should never be overlooked.

With each passing month, we renew our resolve to stand with the men and women who navigate the seas, ensuring that they are seen, heard, and supported.