Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard commences building thirds boat for Sri Lanka Ports Authority
The Colombo Dockyard PLC of Sri Lanka has reportedly commenced shipbuilding work on the third boat for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
A ceremony under the patronage of Sri Lanka’s Ports and Shipping Minister Sagala Ratnayake was held recently to mark the commencement of the hull construction work of the 19 Meter Fast Pilot Boat.
The boat is expected on August 13, 2020.
President of Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd of Japan (the parent company of Colombo Dockyard), T. Nakabe, and Chairman DOCK H. Tanaka were also present at the event.
The 19m boat is designed by MACDUFF of Scotland and is to transport pilots from shore to ship.
According to reports, the boat can accommodate a total number of eight persons including four crew members and four pilots and it can achieve a service speed around 22 knots. It is also designed to hold a high degree of stability and comfort in all weather conditions and the will provide a stable platform during embarking and disembarking pilots.
By building the boat requirement in Sri Lanka, SLPA helps develop the economy of the country by developing the local shipbuilding industry. The local ventures such as the dockyard generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and develop the skills and technical know-how of the local workmen and help save on valuable foreign exchange.
The dockyard operates in collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan who owns a stake of 51% at Colombo Dockyard PLC while Sri Lankan Government institutions have a 35% shareholding at Colombo Dockyard.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s Dockyard company is an excellent example for a successful collaboration between a Sri Lankan and foreign company. The company’s business scope has expanded through times from ship maintenance to ship building, which is indicative of the growing business potential in the country. Sri Lanka’s shipping and maritime sectors are currently undergoing a development programme, which is also part of the overall development programme launched by the government of Sri Lanka.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20191111/Z_6 |