December 2025

Introduction

As we come to the close of the year, there is much for us as the Mts team in Colombo to reflect on with deep gratitude. We thank God for His amazing grace that has carried us safely through the year and for continually challenging us to extend ourselves in service to others.

A month-on-month comparison between November 2025 and December 2025 reflects relatively similar activity levels. However, both the month-on-year comparison (December 2024 vs. December 2025) and the year-on-year comparison (2024 vs. 2025) indicate a decline in overall numbers.

Notably, unlike in 2024, in 2025 we recorded over 300 seafarers visiting the Centre for six (6) consecutive months. Adverse weather conditions and reduced vessel availability for visits were among the primary factors contributing to the observed decline.

Undeterred by circumstances beyond our control, the Mts ship welfare visitor team has remained steadfastly committed to being present and available to serve our “Heroes at Sea” at all times.

Ship Visiting

Ship visiting is our primary ministry and means of engagement, and it continued every day the Mts Centre was operational. The team regularly encountered steep gangways, rough seas, and other on-site challenges, all of which were navigated tactfully and pastorally.

Completing 160 ship visits during the month is no small achievement. These figures stand as a strong testament to the dedication, resilience, and commitment of the Mts ship visitor team in Colombo.

Home Away from Home

We observed a significant increase in the number of seafarers reached through ship visits, which directly impacts the number of those who subsequently visit the Centre. While a month-on-month comparison between November 2025 and December 2025 shows a slight increase in Centre visits, ship visit numbers remained proportionately consistent.

Considering the rough seas and inclement weather experienced towards the end of November and the beginning of December, the outcomes achieved this month are commendable.

During December 2025, seafarers from fifty (50) vessels visited the Mts Centre, with several vessels making repeat (*) visits.

1. Afif (Germany – IMO No.9732345) *
2. Msc Kanoko (Liberia – IMO No.9842102)
3. Nnikos (Liberia – IMO No.9588512)
4. Msc Marina (Panama – IMO No.9275971)
5. Maersk Salalah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352016) * *
6. Msc Marie (Liberia – IMO No.9962574)
7. Xin Shanghai (Hong Kong – IMO No.9307231)
8. Msc Malin II (Cyprus – IMO No.9435686)
9. Dalia (Panama – IMO No.9322982)
10. Blue Sky I (Liberia – IMO No.9335903) * *
11. Maersk Seoul (Singapore – IMO No.9306550)
12. Xin Long Yun 58 (Panama – IMO No.9896971)
13. Msc Namibia (Liberia – IMO No.9974553)
14. Maersk Horsburgh (Singapore – IMO No.9784269)
15. Wan Hai 375 (Singapore – IMO No.9958121)
16. Maersk Tanjong (Hong Kong – IMO No.9332511) * *
17. Catania (Liberia – IMO No.9964247)
18. CMA CGM Laguna (French – IMO No.9938171)
19. ONE Readiness (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952684)
20. Karlskrona (Liberia – IMO No. 9085558)
21. Tempanos (Liberia – IMO No.9447897)
22. Msc Calypso (Liberia – IMO No.9932036)
23. Synergy Keelung (Cyprus – IMO No.9450595)
24. Valiant Wave (Panama – IMO No.9339765)
25. Intan Glory (Panama – IMO No.9358814)
26. AL Jmeliyah (Germany – IMO No.9732357)
27. OOCL Atlanta (Hong Kong – IMO No.9285005)
28. MTT Pelepas (Malaysian – IMO No.9974228) *
29. Maersk Aras (Panama – IMO No.9624275)
30. Maersk San Clemente (Singapore – IMO No.9699189) *
31. Madrid Express (Singapore – IMO No.9447847)
32. Msc Mina (Panama – IMO No.9839260)
33. Maersk Gairloch (Singapore – IMO No.9235567) * *
34. Xin Fu Zhou (China – IMO No.9304796)
35. Msc Camille (Panama – IMO No.9404651)
36. Msc Olia (Liberia – IMO No.9408774)
37. Cisnes (Liberia – IMO No.9687576)
38. Xin Beijing (Hong Kong – IMO No.9314246)
39. Alva Maersk (Denmark – IMO No.9961817)
40. CMA CGM Butterfly (Bahamas – IMO No.9365790)
41. Msc Kanu F (Liberia – IMO No.9236585)
42. Pusan C (Cyprus – IMO No.9307229)
43. Msc Paxi II (Liberia – IMO No.9256391)
44. Msc Sindy (Panama – IMO No.9336048)
45. Seatreasure (Malta – IMO No.9629548) * *
46. ONE Milano (Panama – IMO No.9757187)
47. Cang Hai (Liberia – IMO No.9678630)
48. BWEK Bornholm (Singapore – IMO No.9947029)
49. Dortmund Express (Liberia – IMO No.9461051)
50. Ludwigshafen Express (German – IMO No.9613018)
51. Msc Tia V (Panamá – IMO No.9232113)

It continues to be our joy and privilege to extend hospitality to every seafarer who visits the Mts Centre in Colombo, a space dedicated entirely for their rest, connection, and well-being.

Christmas Away from Home 2025

The Mission to Seafarers in Colombo honoured our Heroes at Sea for the fourth consecutive year through the Christmas Away from Home initiative, held from 22nd to 24th December 2025.

Over the three days, nearly thirty (30) Christmas goodie baskets were distributed to seafarers serving on vessels berthed at the Port of Colombo. This initiative was designed to recognise and appreciate those who spent Christmas away from their families while keeping global trade moving.

The Mts Executive Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to our friends and partners whose generous support made this initiative possible. Your kindness brought comfort, encouragement, and festive cheer to seafarers far from home during the Christmas season.

The Breakdown

Ship visits 160

Seafarers at the Centre 380

Pickup and drop off 363

Cumulative Data: October 2022 – December 2025

Conclusion

December 2025 stands as a testament to faithfulness in service despite challenging conditions. The unwavering commitment of the Mts Colombo team continues to ensure that seafarers are welcomed, supported, and cared for both practically and pastorally throughout the year.