Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port ship repairs, layups grow 53%
The Morning: There has been an exponential increase in the number of vessels arriving at Hambantota International Port (HIP) for repairs and layups this year, marking a significant boost in its operational growth.
From January to August 2024, the port hosted 23 vessels for these services, a remarkable 53% increase compared to the 15 vessels during the same period in 2023.
Two vessels arrived in August alone, while a 3rd which had a seven-month layup at the port concluded its repairs in the same month.
HIP Marine Services and Fleet Management Deputy General Manager Charaka Rupasinghe said: “This particular market in port services is highly competitive and we already have several operators with different expertise offering their services from Hambantota International Port. With our capacity to accommodate vessels of all sizes for afloat and underwater repairs and the numerous berths we have allocated for this business, sometimes for extended periods, we expect this segment of our services to expand further in the coming year.”
“In the case of ship repairs, not only our marketing teams but ship agents and repair companies also promote HIP, as their preferred location for repair and layout services. On our part, we provide them with the best facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and conditions on par with international standards to carry out their services uninterrupted,” Rupasinghe said.
The floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel ‘Svetah Venetia’ which spent seven months at the port for an extensive layup, successfully concluded the operation and departed on 21 August.
The vessel underwent a turret pipeline installation done by Colombo Dockyard and received a blow thruster installation and related repairs carried out by Dolphine Marine.
The M.V. ‘Ram Commander’ was at HIP from 3-22 August for short-term repairs. Harbour Serve (Pvt) Ltd. performed essential deck work on the vessel, including the replacement of vents and stair treads.
The most recent arrival is the bulk carrier ‘Archon Gabriel’, which docked at HIP on 26 August for maintenance of its steering gear’s hydraulic system. Repairs were carried out by maritime transportation company, CIAP Limited, and the vessel departed HIP on 3 September.
Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) General Manager Capt. Miyuru Gunasekara said: “HIP operates under strict protocols of health and safety. We constantly monitor our standards which are aligned with CM Port’s global practices operating in 50 terminals across the world. Therefore, any vessel berthing at HIP can be assured of services that are of international standards.”
“Our management and staff know what is expected of them and are committed to serve round the clock. The added advantage of the port is its location which is easily accessible to vessels plying the east-west shipping routes,” added Capt. Gunasekara.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the India Ocean in close proximity to the international maritime industry and the expanding economy supported by strong trade ties with other countries have helped boost the country’s maritime industry. The country is also working on becoming a maritime hub in the South Asian region. The Sri Lankan government is taking steps to further uplift and expand the operations of the key ports in Sri Lanka to meet the growing demand in line with the growing global trends. All these movements have resulted in the expansion of business/investment opportunities in the maritime industry, especially in the ports, shipping and logistics sectors. The increase in business recorded by local ports, especially Hambantota, Colombo and Trincomalee, are indicative of the growing business potential in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry. Sri Lanka figuring prominently in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has also expanded the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry while also looking at forming collaborations with local businesses engaged in the industry with the aim of further expanding operations.