The Month of December and the Year 2024

Introduction

As we approach the finish line of another year, there is a lot for the Mts ship visitor team in Colombo to look back on with gratitude.

In addition to the many Seafarers we have welcomed this year, the Mission in Colombo has been honoured to welcome HRH, the Princess Royal, our Global President, the Secretary General of the Worldwide Mission, Ven Dr Peter Rouch, and the Regional Head of the Middle East and South Asia (MESA), Rev. John Attenborough.

Ship Visiting

Ship visiting continues to be the backbone of the Mts Centre’s work. Ship visiting is our primary point of contact with the crew on board.

The scope and opportunity of this point of contact require careful handling and preparation.

In this busy month, the Mts ship visitor welfare team made 182 ship visits.

Home Away from Home

It is always joyful to welcome Seafarers at the Mts Centre in Colombo. The sharing of our resources, though limited, brings much fulfilment as the few services are always received with appreciation.

The crew from the following vessels called over at the Mts Centre in Colombo this month.

1. Msc Siena (Liberia – IMO No.9987275)
2. Msc Vilda X (Liberia – IMO No.9146469)
3. CMA CGM Vitoria (Malta – IMO No.9434905)
4. Hr Balu (Bangladesh – IMO No.9266114)
5. Msc Fatma (Liberia – IMO No.9927251)
6. CMA CGM Laguna (France – IMO No.9938171)
7. Rhone Maersk (Denmark – IMO No.9457000)
8. Msc Sariska V (Panama – IMO No.87158570) *
9. Catherine C (Malta – IMO No.9969998)
10. OEL Colombo (Panama – IMO No.9351804)
11. Msc Clementina F (Liberia – IMO No.9301550) *
12. Msc Carpathia III (Liberia – IMO No.9253038)
13. Bourbon Evolution 806 (St. Vincent & Grenadines – IMO No.9639830) **
14. Msc Chaewon (Liberia – IMO No.9966972)
15. Msc Tokyo (Liberia – IMO No.9318046)
16. Msc Carparthia III (Libera – IMO No.9253038)
17. Msc Chaewon (Liberia – IMO No.9966972)
18. Msc Shristi (Liberia – IMO No.9293442)
19. Msc Renee (Hong Kong – IMO No.9465306)
20. Msc Kayley (Liberia – IMO No.9927299)
21. Kiel Express (Liberia – IMO No.9229855) *
22. Msc Alghero (Panama – IMO No.9618788)
23. H R Turag (Bangladesh – IMO No.9175779)
24. Eleni T (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9397585)
25. Msc Rome (Liberia – IMO No.9964211)
26. ONE Commitment (Japan – IMO No.9629902)
27. Takuti Chief (Singapore – IMO No.9519327) *
28. MSC Wind II (Liberia – IMO No.9173135)
29. MSC Diego (Panama – IMO No.9202649)
30. Msc C Montaine (Liberia – IMO No.9930961)
31. Maersk Cadiz (Singapore – IMO No.9526459) *
32. Msc Silver II (Liberia – IMO No.9225249)
33. Msc Silvana VIII (Cyprus – IMO No.9309459)
34. Maersk Salina (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352030)
35. Sprit of Bertram – Nordocelot (Portugal – IMO No.9673642)
36. Msc Martina Maria (Panama – IMO No.9540077)
37. Msc Daniela (Panama – IMO No.9399002)
38. Papora Wisdom (Panama – IMO No.9507718)
39. MSC Martina Maria (Liberia – IMO No.9540077)
40. Maersk Singapore (Singapore – IMO No.9308649)
41. MSC Orsola (Liberia – IMO No.9946726) requested
42. Msc Benedetta VIII (Liberia – IMO No.9465253)
43. Asian Majesty (Singapore – IMO No.9724996).
44. ONE Falcon (Japan – IMO No.9741425)
45. Responder (Marshall Islands – IMO No.9236509) ***
46. AS Alva (Liberia – IMO No.9337030)
47. OEL Colombo (Panama – IMO No.9351804)
48. ILE De Brehat (French – IMO No.9247053)
49. Nordtiger (Cyprus – IMO No.9626247)
50. Dredger Gang Jun 6 (Liberia – IMO No.9687928)
51. Msc Alexandra (Panama – IMO No.9461374)
52. AS Sicilia (Portugal – IMO No.9430935)
53. Klevin (Liberia – IMO No.90855460)
54. Msc Danit (Panama – IMO No.9404649) *
55. Msc Gayane (Liberia – IMO No.9770763)
56. Conti Annapurna (Liberia – IMO No.9286255)
57. Msc Fairfield (Portugal – IMO No.9302633)
58. Maersk Savannah (Hong Kong – IMO No.9352028)
59. Msc Michela (Portugal – IMO No.9720512)
60. CMA CGM Symi (Malta – IMO No.9867839)

“We Care” – Update

Two local seafarers aboard the C Y Ocean IMO No. 9161687 have reached out to the Mts ship visitor welfare team for assistance in signing off due to deplorable working conditions on board and an urgent family medical emergency. The assistance of ITF(NUSS) is being sought to resolve the matter.

The widow of the 3^rd Office on the LPG tanker Limra (Panama – IMO No. 9158240), who died on 28/07/2024 as a result of an onboard explosion, reached out to the Mission for assistance concerning settlement of compensation.

We are grateful for the agent’s support and are happy that an agreement was reached with everyone concerned. The compensation settlement should be completed soon.

Christmas Away from Home

This was essentially a two-day initiative involving the Mts ship welfare visitor team in Colombo. The team visited vessels in the Port of Colombo and shared a goodie bag with the crew. The crews appreciated this initiative.

The Mission to Seafarers Colombo acknowledges its gratitude to the following for their partnership in this initiative.

• South Asia Gateway Terminal
• Sri Lanka Shipping Company
• COSCO shipping
• Youngship
• Two Well-wishers

Our Assets – Respect for Our Mts Ship Visitor Team

The spirit of Unity and support amongst team members is commendable. Even when the Chaplain was indisposed for 6 weeks due to injuries sustained in an accident, the work at the Mts Centre continued unhindered.

The Centre decided to go Green by Switching to Solar Power during the year. We are grateful for Mts HQ’s support for this initiative.

The Centre was also the meeting point for a Father and Son duo who were unfortunately separated by the Russian–Ukrainian conflict. After over a year, the father and son were reunited at the Mts Centre in Colombo.

Acknowledging the staff’s contribution and commitment to the work has greatly encouraged the Mts ship visitor welfare team in Colombo.

The Break Down 

The Break Down of Numbers

December 2024

Ship visits 182

Seafarers at the Centre 439

Pick up and drop off 420

Justice issues 03

The Year 2024