July 2025

Introduction

July has been a particularly active and rewarding month for the MTS Ship Welfare Visitor Team in Colombo. The team was proud to complete over 176 ship visits, while the MTS Centre warmly welcomed more than 445 Seafarers, providing them with a place of rest, refreshment, and connection.

Our efforts also extended to assisting 416 Seafarers with transportation between their ships and the Centre. In addition to these core welfare activities, MTS marked National Sea & Air Farers Sunday, responded to an emergency welfare situation, and was represented at the 59th Annual General Meeting of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA).

Ship Visits

Engaging in 176 ship visits in a single month is no small feat. It reflects our team’s commitment, preparation, passion, and patience—the four pillars that underpin all our outreach efforts. Through these visits, we are able to offer practical support and emotional encouragement to the men and women working at sea.

Home Away from Home

A high volume of ship visits inevitably translates into increased activity at the MTS Centre. This month, we were delighted to host over 445 Seafarers who came to the Centre to relax and enjoy moments of peace away from their demanding work environments. 416 of them have been transported from the gangway to the Mts Centre and back in the Mts free transport shuttle.

Crew from the following 61 vessels visited the Mts Centre in Colombo in the month:

1. APL Colombus (Singapore – IMO No.9597525)
2. AL Murabba (Liberia – IMO No.9708837)
3. Msc Silver II (Liberia – IMO No.9225249)
4. Msc Judith (Panama – IMO No.9299549)
5. Maersk Stralsund (Singapore – IMO No.9303522)
6. Msc Eyra II (Cyprus – IMO No.9435222)
7. DP World Jeddah (Liberia – IMO No.9972787)
8. HMM Colombo (Korea – IMO No.9323508)
9. Megalopolis (Malta – IMO No.9477799)
10. Maersk Seoul (Singapore – IMO No.9306550)
11. ONE Readiness (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952684)
12. Responder (Marshall Island – IMO No.9236509) **
13. Anaxagoras (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9972983)
14. Msc Liela (Liberia – IMO No.1016654)
15. Msc Danit (Panama – IMO No.9404649)
16. Maersk Congo (Singapore – IMO No.9525340)
17. HAO BO 01 (China – IMO No.1066635)
18. CMA CGM Paraty (Malta – IMO No.9938262)
19. Maersk Salalah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352016)
20. Mayuree Naree (Thailand – IMO No.9323649)
21. Msc York VII (Liberia – IMO No.9196838)
22. Pacific Cobalt (Liberia – IMO No.9788617)
23. Maersk Salalah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352016)
24. Msc Rose (Liberia – IMO No.9957359)
25. Msc Kymea II (Liberia – IMO No.9334844)
26. Mayuree Naree (Thailand – IMO No.9323649)
27. Maersk San Clemente (Singapore – IMO No.9699189)
28. SCI Delhi (Liberia – IMO No.9699127)
29. Sloman Thetis (Antigua Barbuda – IMO No.9306653) * *
30. Mahanadi (Indian – IMO No.9340037) *
31. Mayuree Naree (Thailand – IMO No.9323649)
32. Maersk Stadelhorn (Singapore – IMO No.9726671) *
33. Zhong Hong Sheng (Chinese – IMO No.9243605)
34. Msc Abidjan (Portugal – IMO No.9618264)
35. Ulsan Express (Liberia – IMO No.9613020)
36. Europe (Cyprus – IMO No.9285988)
37. Msc Silver II (Liberia – IMO No.9225249)
38. Tangier Express (Liberia – IMO No.9525900)
39. Europe (Cyprus – IMO No.9285988)
40. Almyros (Malta – IMO No.9584138) *
41. Msc Alessia (Liberia – IMO No.636025327) *
42. COSCO Malaysia (Hong Kong – IMO No.9448774)
43. ONE Reliability (Hong Kong – IMO No.9952737)
44. Msc Vilda X (Liberia – IMO No.9146479)
45. Maersk Cabo Verde (Hong Kong – IMO No.9525455) *
46. Mahanadi Pacific Rapier (Indian – IMO No.9340037)
47. Maersk San Clemente (Singapore – IMO No.9699189)
48. CMA CGM Pointe Percee (Malta – IMO No.9975258) *
49. Msc America (Liberia – IMO No.9963580)
50. Groton (Liberia – IMO No.9246310)
51. Msc Tavvishi VI (Liberia – IMO No9129366)
52. Bourbon Liberty 218 (Liberia – IMO No.9492036)
53. Msc Manzanillo (Portugal – IMO No.9289960)
54. Msc Romane (Portugal – IMO No.9745653)
55. Maersk Hong Kong (Singapore – IMO No.9784257)
56. Shanghai Express (Liberia – IMO No.9501368) *
57. Densa Sea Lion (Malta – IMO No.9649079) *
58. Msc Emanuela (Panama – IMO No.9399052)
59. Maersk Hangzhou (Singapore – IMO No.9784300)
60. Msc Eyra II (Cyprus – IMO No.9435222)
61. Msc Hermes (Liberia – IMO No.9350317)

    *Repeat visit in the month

National Sea & Air Farers Sunday

This year’s National Sea & Air Farers Sunday was commemorated on 13th July 2025 at St. Peter’s Church, Fort. The service was well-attended by members of the maritime and shipping community, reflecting the day’s national importance.

The service was presided over by the Port Chaplain, the Venerable Perry Brohier, who also delivered the sermon. He was assisted by Rev. Jayanath Pandithararatne, Vicar of St. Peter’s Church. The service was beautifully enriched by the Music Ministry Choir, directed by Ishan de Lanerolle and accompanied by Neranjan de Silva. The Sri Lanka Navy Band, along with their Bagpipers and Buglers, added a stirring ceremonial touch. A cadet contingent from the CINEC Maritime Campus also participated in the service, adding youthful energy to the occasion. Distinguished Senior Officers from the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force were in attendance, together with members from the Diplomatic community, underscoring the national significance of Sea Sunday.

The Chaplain’s sermon, titled “Who Is Our Neighbour?”, drew attention to the challenges faced by today’s Seafarers—ranging from global instability and piracy threats to moral dilemmas around safety and duty. He urged for greater awareness, respect, and protection for these frontline workers of the global economy.

He called on all to:

• Be like Paul – willing to change direction when called.
• Be like the Good Samaritan – crossing barriers with compassion.
• Be like Lydia – opening hearts in the name of Christ.

The service concluded with the Sri Lanka Navy Band playing the National Anthem, followed by a time of warm fellowship.

Emergency Response

This month, the MTS Colombo team was called upon to assist a group of 19 Seafarers in distress. The situation, though challenging and drawn-out, was ultimately resolved with patience, understanding, and professional care.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Centrum for their trust in MTS’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in moments of need.

59th Annual General Meeting of CASA

Mts in Colombo was honoured to be invited to the 59th AGM of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and represented by the Port Chaplain. Held in the presence of a wide cross-section of the maritime industry, Mr. Shano Saba was unanimously re-elected as President.

MTS Colombo extends warm congratulations to Mr. Saba and the entire leadership team. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership in the months ahead.

The Breakdown of the Month of July

Ship visits 176

Seafarers at the Centre 445

Pickup and drop off 416