The German based Shipping company, NSB Reederei (Niederelbe Schifffahrtsgesellschaft) has donated USD 3,500 to “Mission To Seafarers – Colombo” (MTS-Colombo). The donation was made in recognition and in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered by MTS-Colombo to all seafarers who serve on board vessels calling the port of Colombo.
Mission to Seafarers – Colombo has been a “home away from home” for thousands of weary seafarers who visit the port of Colombo after a long voyage. At MTS-Colombo they are able to relax, find help, share worship, and to telephone & email their loved ones back home. This donation comes to light as part of an annual donation programme carried out by Reederei NSB to “Mission to Seafarers” centres around the globe. The Colombo centre was chosen for 2013, due to Reederei NSB’s involvement in Sri Lanka since 2012 July as they now have a joint venture in Sri Lanka in the form of “NSB Mercmarine Crew Management”.
“Mission to Seafarers” was established in 1856 in England with the aim of providing adequate resources, to help and care for crew members onboard of ships. MTS is a global organisation today with a network of chaplains, staff and volunteers covering 300 ports worldwide. They reach out to seafarers by visiting ships, running centres and caring for their welfare. At present MTS manages 100 dedicated centres, including the Centre in Colombo.
Reederei NSB is a Shipping company headquartered in Buxtehude of Germany. Their wide spectrum of services include ship owning/management, crew management, chartering, insurance, maritime training, travel and leisure and maintains offices around the world. Commenting on the donation, Wing Commander Noel Fernando, Chairman – MTS-Colombo stated how grateful he and his management committee were for the generous donation given to the MTS Colombo for the welfare and wellbeing of the seafarers visiting the mission that provides a “home away from home” to them.
