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A leading shipbuilding and repairing company in the region Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL) is receiving increasing orders from Middle Eastern countries due to the global shipbuilding boom.

Due to the high world oil prices oil producing countries` economies are booming and those countries are investing heavily in oil related services, CDL Marketing Manager Darshana Chandrasekera told the Daily News.

He said that Sri Lanka has earned a reputation as one of the best ship-building centers in the region. It is the only integrated shipbuilding and repair facility and has been very busy with ship repairs and ship building work in 2006.

`We have engaged in aggressive marketing and promoting of Colombo as a full-fledged ship repair and shipbuilding center. This has proven to be fruitful, with the increased business volumes generated in all sectors,` Chandrasekera said.

He said that recently CDL entered into agreement with Great Ship (India) limited. For construction and supply of two Anchor Handling Tugs (80 Ton Bollard Pull).

Once built these will be the biggest tugboats to be built in Sri Lanka / CDL and incidentally this will be the largest export order with project value to the tune of US $ 30 million. The keel laying for the first anchor handler is scheduled to take place on October 23, with the patronage of officials from Great Ship (India) Ltd.

Meanwhile, first of the 3 tug boats (58 Ton bollard pull capacity), Jeddah 41 built for a Middle East client will also be delivered to her owners on October 23. Two other sister tugs are currently under construction and are scheduled to be delivered by early next year. CDL`s order book for shipbuilding is full until mid 2008.

In the ship repair sector, CDL has been busy with handling various types of repairs, ranging from tankers, vehicle carriers, container carriers, passenger vessels and fishing trawlers.

Currently major lay up repairs are being carried out on passenger vessel MV. Nicobar, owned by Shipping Corporation of India, while extensive repairs are also being carried out on Dredging Corporation of India owned Dredge XVII, he said.

Chandrasekera said that to handle this increased work quantum, Yard facilities have been enhanced with induction of additional cranes and steel processing equipment to gear up to meet the increased production outputs.

CDL is operating jointly with Onomichi of Japan, which owns 51 per cent of shares.

Twenty per cent is owned by Horizons and the balance is with the public.

nice, how big are the slips? do they have any dry docks for repairs?

Well Here is the official Site
http://www.cdl.lk

CDL ATTRACTS STOLT-NIELSEN TRANSPORTATION GROUP B.V CHEMICAL TANKER FOR DRYDOCK REPAIRS TO COLOMBO.


MT. Stolt Nanami (19,932 DWT) under the charter of STOLT-NIELSEN TRANSPORTATION GROUP B.V and Managed by V Ships MSI, Singapore called at Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL) for the first time in the recent history for her first intermediate drydocking repairs.

The drydocking call was planned meticulously by the CDL/ vessel managers well in advance. The chemical tanker arrived in Colombo on the 11th of January 2006. CDL had programmed the vessel to be accommodated in the Dock No. 4 (125,000 dwt drydock) on arrival along with MV. Omo Wonz a Ro-Ro vessel. The tanker is owned by Makino Kaiun Co. Ltd Japan.

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During this seven day drydocking call CDL attended to a wide spectrum of repairs including repairs to the main engine bearings, auxiliary and exhaust boiler overhauling. Turbo charger overhauling, coolers, pipes and valves were also carried out. The auxiliary engine compensator modification work was also carried out along with electrical and electronic repairs. Servicing / repair of electronic cathodic protection and marine growth protection systems. The routine shaft seal renewal, surface preparation and hull painting included the key work package carried out by CDL within this historic first call of Stolt –Nielson Transportation Group B.V chemical tanker.


The repairs were carried out under the watchful eye of the attending superintendent Mr. Sheikh Mohiuddin from V Ship MSI, Singapore meeting classification society standards to Class NK. The ship manager Mr. J G R Balasuriya leading the CDL project team co-ordinated the repairs work effectively with the collective support from all production departments to complete the vessel on schedule.

During this first drydocking call of MV. Stolt Nanami CDL was honoured to welcome the Mr. Carl –Uno Backman – Vice President / Manager Engineering and overseas fleets from Stolt-Nielen Transportation Group B.V, Netherlands and Mr Maki Makino – Senior Managing Director representing the Japanese owners. The tanker sailed out to her next loading port in South Africa after the seven day stay at CDL on schedule

Colombo Dockyard Limited operating in collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. Japan, started the year 2006 on a high note attracting Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group B.V tanker for repairs. Thus emphasising to the international ship owners / managers the comprehensive repair facilities available in Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet the requirements of the world’s leading fleets.

The BOI signs Agreements for Two New Projects


The Board of Investment (BOI) Sri Lanka entered into agreement with SSK Ship Repairing & Engineering Works Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to operate a business to provide ship repairing and engineering services to Colombo Dock Yard Limited on sub contract basis. An investment of Rs. 15 million, this project will have a labour force of 115 employees at capacity. The company has operations in India and initially, there will be 30 foreign employees working at the factory. However the company also hopes to establish a training centre in order to train more local employees.

Rashmi Deepsea Fishing Company (Pvt) Ltd signed an agreement with the BOI for a project to undertake deep sea fishing for the export market. An investment of Rs. 102 million, this project will be operating from the fisheries harbour at Mutwal, Beruwala and Galle. Speaking about the project, the investor - Mr. W.J.P.N.R. Perera stated that 80% of the catch will be exported to Japan and Europe.

Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL) is a hive of activity with both key sectors of ship repair and ship building sectors being fully engaged to capacity now.
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The ship repair sector is currently handling MT. G S Salaria (67,000 Dwt) tanker owned by Shipping


MV. DCI Dredge XV accommodated in Dock No. 1 nearing completion of repairs.

Corporation of India Ltd., MV. DCI Dredge XV (8,000 DwT) dredger owned by Dredging Corporation of India, MV. Yong Wang (14,000 dwt) owned by Zhoushan Yongyue Shipmanagement Co. Ltd. China and MV. Mir Damad (5,000 Dwt) owned by Irano-Hind Shipping, Iran.

These vessels calling from all corners of the globe have called at CDL for major lay-up and drydock repairs generating much needed foreign exchange for the country.

In the shipbuilding sector CDL is currently busy with construction of the four of the Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels for Greatship India Limited (GIL), a subsidiary of Great Eastern Shipping Company of India and the two units of 250 passenger cum 100 Ton Cargo Vessels for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep of India.

These two new construction orders have CDL’s order book full until year 2009.

In the aluminium construction sector CDL is busy with final touches to the 40 m Fisheries Protection Vessels (FPV) for the Maldives National Defence Force. The 35 m Fisheries Protection Craft (FPC) was delivered recently, the 40 m FPV is scheduled for delivery by November 2007.

Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL) is a hive of activity with both key sectors of ship repair and ship building sectors being fully engaged to capacity now.
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The ship repair sector is currently handling MT. G S Salaria (67,000 Dwt) tanker owned by Shipping


MV. DCI Dredge XV accommodated in Dock No. 1 nearing completion of repairs.

Corporation of India Ltd., MV. DCI Dredge XV (8,000 DwT) dredger owned by Dredging Corporation of India, MV. Yong Wang (14,000 dwt) owned by Zhoushan Yongyue Shipmanagement Co. Ltd. China and MV. Mir Damad (5,000 Dwt) owned by Irano-Hind Shipping, Iran.

These vessels calling from all corners of the globe have called at CDL for major lay-up and drydock repairs generating much needed foreign exchange for the country.

In the shipbuilding sector CDL is currently busy with construction of the four of the Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels for Greatship India Limited (GIL), a subsidiary of Great Eastern Shipping Company of India and the two units of 250 passenger cum 100 Ton Cargo Vessels for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep of India.

These two new construction orders have CDL’s order book full until year 2009.

In the aluminium construction sector CDL is busy with final touches to the 40 m Fisheries Protection Vessels (FPV) for the Maldives National Defence Force. The 35 m Fisheries Protection Craft (FPC) was delivered recently, the 40 m FPV is scheduled for delivery by November 2007.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/10/18/bus03.asp)

Good news, any idea how much foreign exchange we are talking about here...

The Colombo Dockyard believes in excellence as per its vision "Odyssey of Excellence " the catch word invented by one of its pioneers Rohan de Seram which means that there is no end target to their work but continue to be better.
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The success of the company today has shown the results of that vision Managing Director Mangala B.P. Yapa said remembering his predecessor.

The mission of the company is to be the leading engineering company in South Asia without confining only to marine engineering.

The Colombo Dockyard Ltd ranked seventh best port in the world,. won the silver medal for Best All Round runner up at the NCE (National Chamber of Exporters) Export Award ceremony under Extra Large Category of Industry and Professional Services held at the Hilton Colombo recently.

The company penetrated into the international market only in 2003 although the first dry dock had come into being in 1906. It is a great achievement to win such a prestigious award within a short span of time of three years, after entering the export market.

"When the business community is recognised by the country it serves as a good motivation for our employees and in the national context it is a great motivation for the country. We believe in team work . In that aspect I am very happy about this achievement and it belongs to our employees " the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Colombo Dockyard Mangala B.P. Yapa said.

Yapa hailing from Mutthettuwegama in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka was fascinated with ship building from his youth after his Advance Levels and proceeded to Russia on a scholarship to obtain a degree in ship building. He also hold a MBA from Sri Jayawardenapura University. On return he joined the Colombo Dockyard Private Limited in 1984 as a trainee engineer in ship building and reached the top position of CEO in 2004.

His dedication, commitment, and sincerity to his employees magnificiently blended with patriotism is evidence to the success achieved by the Colombo Dockyard today. The year 2006 had been a turning point to Colombo Dockyard to remain as a leading ship repairer and shipbuilder in the South Asian region.

It has recorded an exceptionally high profit of Rs. 607 million from sales after tax, surpassing the target of their management plan in 2005. This is an overall revenue increase by 24% , highest in the existence of the company.

The company has also invested Rs. 800 million on renovation and major improvements of the yard.

With the successful operations of the ship repair business, shipbuilding, heavy engineering, and offshore engineering businesses they have been able to obtain new orders internationally making a significant progress over the years according to the CEO.

The Colombo Dockyard repairs around 200 ships annually and its clientele includes India, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Nigeria and Sri Lanka at present. The company has provided over 2,500 employment opportunities to people in different categories including trainees.

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A Vessel at Colombo Dockyard

The work at Colombo Dockyard begins at 7.30 a.m. with the National Anthem to create a patriotic environment and from then, it is hard work for all of them till 5.30 p.m. The company provides free meals, tea and snacks to all employees on working days and all basic needs such as medical facilities are looked into, Yapa said.^^

"Also we have a large pool of trainees of around 400 at any given time who undergo training through NAITA and on their successful completion we do absorb them to our permanent cadre depending on the number of vacancies at that time, he said.

Although it is a huge burden to the company we consider it as a social responsibility but it is very necessary that the Government gets involved here as there is no programme which produces demand driven skills in this country, he said.

The management has been able to maintain a sustainable relationship with the trade unions as well.

There was a time when trade union activities retarded the quality of our work. "It is good if you don't have trade unions but on the other hand they are not bad if you are sincere for the workers' well-being with having a good communication network and transparency.

"According to the Japanese the country comes first, company second and self third. We apply the same theory and we are proud to be Sri Lankans," Yapa said.

"With this mindset our trade unions have also improved and now they hold their annual general meetings in a productive manner with half a day training programme on positive thinking so it is better now than it was, Yapa said.

Another policy of the company is that they do not retain any employee after 55 years to give opportunities to the young.

The young generation is moderately advance in certain areas but there are plus points as well as minus but we believe in policies and adopt them accordingly, he said.

"Being islanders we have to depend on the sea. According to Mahawansa our traditional shipbuilders in the past have built a 220 ft long ship to carry 600 to 750 passengers which we have not been able to do so far. Our ancient kings have sent diplomats to Burma by ships and got down Buddhist bhikkus from there by ships.

They have done wonders in water management and irrigation but today we hire Koreans to build our road to Sigiriya built by those kings.":ohno:

"Referring to the proud history of the country's shipbuilding and engineering capabilities, Yapa said. "We need to create this awareness among our people to get away from the attitude of getting everything from abroad. We are not appreciating our own products today".

Asked about the future plans of the company he said there is a lot of potential to expand in the future provided certain major infrastructure needs are improved.

He said the geographical location of the Dockyard is a great advantage which is well poised to attract many things.

The ships coming here should have sufficient space and other facilities as we do major repairs as a regional company. Our dockyard is designed for the international market. "We can attract vessels from Dubai and our main market is India which has one billion people so we have to be competitive," he said.

"The fact that the dockyard is inside the port have advantages and disadvantages. But we have no other choice as infrastructure was built here," he said.

In 1982 the company has spent US $ 42 million to build one dry dock but now it will cost 10 times more "We are talking of 100-year old dry docks being used today.

"This is where Government policy and vision has to be in line. In 1982 we decided that this will be the single biggest investment. But from '82 to 2006 nothing has happened. So we can't drop Colombo immediately and go somewhere else.

"Colombo is successful because of its connectivity to the world. Sometimes we need so many things overnight we have an office in Singapore. It is a matter of giving a call to the person at that end and telling him to put it in the next flight but if we are in Hambantota how long will it take to reach there from Colombo.

So once the infrastructure is there only we can consider it. Otherwise it does not make any sense.

He explained the importance of the breakwater. "The vessels coming to us are damaged and they need calm waters. Unlike Singapore we are open to the ocean. But it will cost about USD 3000 million to build a breakwater alone, he said.

He said Japanese investors are very careful and they just don't run to the street. He pointed out another important aspect which is human capital development. Once the infrastructure is developed it is necessary to do the capacity building . With us it is a ongoing process . From 1974 to 2003 we developed these things gradually.

We have recruited a large number of engineers from the Moratuwa University. "We have confidence that we can meet these demands of both defence and commercial and we have catered for them.

"Now we are building two, 250-passenger going craft for India. We built a number of tug boats for the Ports Authority. We are looking at various niche markets where we can succeed region-wise. India and the Indian sub continent is our prime market with Middle East coming second.

"We don't rule out Europe, because our proximity to Europe is an advantage. Those are gradual processes.

"We are looking at capacity building within the company then infrastructure and market development.

The company is also considering on passenger craft, small cruise liners, and ferries. Although many questions as to why ferries are not used for tourism from Katunayake to Bentota, it is because of the non availability of a jetty, berthing facilities, and the monsoon, he said. Yapa pointed out that areas like Kudawella, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Beruwela, Oluvuil and Trincomalee have harbours.

There are possibilities of using ferry transportation but there should be an integrated development approach to implement them.

His advice to the younger generation is that Colombo Dockyard started from nothing by a group of people who worked very hard without any comforts. It is not impossible to make it happen if one has courage and dedication, he said.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/10/26/bus16.asp)

Really nice and inspiring article, teaching some vital lessons for life...

MV. SCI Mahima (53,726 DWT) container carrier under the management of Ofer (Ships Holdings) Israel called at Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDY) recently for her intermediate survey and drydocking repairs. Ofer (Ships Holdings) is one of the biggest fleet owners in the global ship owning /managing arena.
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During this landmark drydocking call the CDY was entrusted to carry out routine drydock related work. CDY approached the work professionally with the redelivery deadline in mind, after a collective all round effort from all production departments, specially the steel department, dockyard managed to complete the total work package on schedule.

The major jobs attended were steel renewal inside ballast tanks (over 75 tons), rudder related steel work in confined spaces and hatch cover repairs. This container vessel boasted of a massive propeller weighing over 45 tons, this was one of the heaviest propellers handled by CDY staff in the recent past.

The shaft seals were also renewed, while main engine air coolers were cleaned, all sea valves were over hauled among other routine repairs. The Ship Manager P.C. Luwishewa handled the project with the able support from all production department engineers and workers.

Steel department played a key role with majority of the work package coming under their purview, the steel engineers Thiwanka Seneviratne and Gandika Weligamage played a key role in this project. The repairs were completed within the quoted 22 days meeting the owners and the classification society’s full satisfaction.

The attending superintendent Shami Ilan and I. Lurie - Technical Manager represented the owners during this first call to CDY. The 1985 built and classed under the Lloyds register SCI Mahima sailed out of the CDY in “Ship Shape” to her next loading port on schedule.

Thus, successful completion of repairs to SCI Mahima adds world renowned Ofer (Ship Holdings) Israel to Colombo Dockyard PLC’s list of satisfied customers. The local agents Star Lanka Shipping handled the local husbanding work for the owners during this drydocking call.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/17/bus11.asp)

Positive news...

NEW PROJECT: Chairman, CDPLC Shinichi Tatebe, Dep. General Manager Technical - Shipping Corporation of India Rashpaul Singh, Lloyds Register of Shipping Principal Surveyor and Marine Operations Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Anil Kumar, Projects & Engineering Manager D V Abeysinghe at the keel laying ceremony for the 250 passenger vessel.

For the first time in the history of local shipbuilding industry a Sri Lankan organisation, (Colombo Dockyard PLC - CDPLC) has been awarded a shipbuilding project by the Government of India. This is the first Ocean going passenger vessel construction to be undertaken by CDPLC.

This historic project was ceremonially inaugurated with the keel laying ceremony for Hull numbers NC 209 and 210 recently.
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The Shipping Corporation of India’s interests were represented by Deputy General Manager Technical Rashpaul Singh, while other invitees from classification society Lloyds represented by Principal Surveyor and Marine Operations Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Anil Kumar, Indian Register of Shipping represented by Country manager Praveen Mishra and Director General Merchant Shipping Sri Lanka Shantha Weerakoon.

The senior management of CDPLC hosted the ceremony under the stewardship of Chairman - Colombo Dockyard PLC Shinichi Tatebe.

Since its inception in 1974 CDPLC has proved its capabilities by building Tug boats, fast crafts, Anchor handling tugs meeting owner’s (Local and foreign) requirements and international classification society standards.

Utilizing the engineering talents of the local engineers and workers, these local built vessels for foreign and local and clients have managed to secure a name for Sri Lanka as a versatile shipbuilding nation.

In monitory terms this order is also the largest shipbuilding order and the highest value contract CDPLC has ever secured at US $ 36.6 million during a span of over three decades of operations.

This unique award signifies entry of CDPLC into the lucrative passenger vessel market, the successful performance in the local and international shipbuilding arena has paved the way for CDPLC to enter into this new segment.

This project also marks a significant strength to CDPLC’s future Shipbuilding Business Strategy, as a potential Passenger Vessel builder. Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Nicobar and Andaman Islands in India and all other SAARC Countries requiring vessels for Passenger Transportation, CDPLC would definitely be in a position to acquire more orders in the future.

The design of the Vessel is developed by a world renowned ship design firm Larsen & Toubro Limited, e Engineering Solutions - Marine & Ship which is a Strategic Business Unit of Larsen & Toubro limited of India.

The Vessels shall be built and classed by Lloyds Register of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping and statutory rules applicable. This ocean going passenger cum cargo vessel shall be capable of all weather operation from the Main Land to UTK Islands route as well as inter island routes.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/24/bus02.asp)

NEW PROJECT: Chairman, CDPLC Shinichi Tatebe, Dep. General Manager Technical - Shipping Corporation of India Rashpaul Singh, Lloyds Register of Shipping Principal Surveyor and Marine Operations Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Anil Kumar, Projects & Engineering Manager D V Abeysinghe at the keel laying ceremony for the 250 passenger vessel.

For the first time in the history of local shipbuilding industry a Sri Lankan organisation, (Colombo Dockyard PLC - CDPLC) has been awarded a shipbuilding project by the Government of India. This is the first Ocean going passenger vessel construction to be undertaken by CDPLC.

This historic project was ceremonially inaugurated with the keel laying ceremony for Hull numbers NC 209 and 210 recently.
http://i31.tinypic.com/30m5ylu.jpg
The Shipping Corporation of India’s interests were represented by Deputy General Manager Technical Rashpaul Singh, while other invitees from classification society Lloyds represented by Principal Surveyor and Marine Operations Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Anil Kumar, Indian Register of Shipping represented by Country manager Praveen Mishra and Director General Merchant Shipping Sri Lanka Shantha Weerakoon.

The senior management of CDPLC hosted the ceremony under the stewardship of Chairman - Colombo Dockyard PLC Shinichi Tatebe.

Since its inception in 1974 CDPLC has proved its capabilities by building Tug boats, fast crafts, Anchor handling tugs meeting owner’s (Local and foreign) requirements and international classification society standards.

Utilizing the engineering talents of the local engineers and workers, these local built vessels for foreign and local and clients have managed to secure a name for Sri Lanka as a versatile shipbuilding nation.

In monitory terms this order is also the largest shipbuilding order and the highest value contract CDPLC has ever secured at US $ 36.6 million during a span of over three decades of operations.

This unique award signifies entry of CDPLC into the lucrative passenger vessel market, the successful performance in the local and international shipbuilding arena has paved the way for CDPLC to enter into this new segment.

This project also marks a significant strength to CDPLC’s future Shipbuilding Business Strategy, as a potential Passenger Vessel builder. Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Nicobar and Andaman Islands in India and all other SAARC Countries requiring vessels for Passenger Transportation, CDPLC would definitely be in a position to acquire more orders in the future.

The design of the Vessel is developed by a world renowned ship design firm Larsen & Toubro Limited, e Engineering Solutions - Marine & Ship which is a Strategic Business Unit of Larsen & Toubro limited of India.

The Vessels shall be built and classed by Lloyds Register of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping and statutory rules applicable. This ocean going passenger cum cargo vessel shall be capable of all weather operation from the Main Land to UTK Islands route as well as inter island routes.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/24/bus02.asp)

this is a big :banana:,keep it up colobo docyard:nuts:

Yep, all good publicity and news about them recently...

The second 80 ton anchor handling tug supply vessel "Great Ship Amritha" built for an order of four by Colombo Dockyard (PLC) is due to be delivered to Great Ship (India) Ltd in mid March. The 80 ton anchor handling tug supply vessel "Great Ship Amritha"is similar to the "Great Ship Anjali" delivered in January this year.
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Colombo Dockyard Marketing Manager, ship building Prince Lye said: "the "Great Ship Amritha" is valued at $ 15.25 million and this vessel will save foreign exchange for the country.

Colombo Dockyard (PLC) has already made arrangements to deliver the enormous 80 ton anchor handling supply vessel in mid March. Construction work on the "Great Ship Amritha" began 16 months ago.

He said: "it was a challenge and an achievement to have built this vessel during this period. If this order was not undertaken it would have gone to some other foreign ship building company. If this happened we would not have had the opportunity to show our expertise in this field and we would have lost valuable foreign exchange.

The tug supply vessel also proved our capability and it shows that we have a capacity to build ships within a short time. We always need the advice of our clients to suit their requirements. This tug vessel has an overall length of 63M and a speed of 13 knots.

The credit for building such a tug of high quality goes to the Managing Director (CEO) Mangala Yapa, staff and the employees of Colombo Dockyard (PLC).

The "Great Ship Amritha" will join her sister vessel Great Ship Anjali after March for the Great Ship (India) Ltd. What is significant is that the international shipping community is aware of our talents and capabilities, he said.
SO (http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/01/27/fin13.asp)

Good, they are moving ahead...

According to the Colombo Dockyard officials the most concerning issue for the company is the limited amount of space.

“The space for expanding and optimizing the Shipbuilding process is the major concern” Colombo Dockyard PLC Managing Director Mangala Yapa told the Daily Financial Times.

He expressed that their wish and hope is that the government will assist the company in allocating more space for them within the Port of Colombo. He pointed out that there is substantial area underutilized for less or no income generating operations witin the Port.

“For example the vehicles ceased by the Sri Lanka Customs are parked inside the Port, wasting colossal area. By the time all matters are resolved and decisions are made the vehicles are no longer useable therefore often abandoned” he said.

He revealed that the vehicles are then auctioned which will consume some more time. “There is no need for such operations to be done inside the Port”.

Another problem for the CDPLC is the high cost and time for building the human capital. “Many nations give substantial subsidies to large and important industries like the shipping sector, but we don't get anything. On the other hand, we do appreciate that a growing economy such, engrossed with many problems, as Sri Lanka will find it not feasible to give subsidies” divulged Yapa.

Moreover Yapa observed that there is a Shipping Development Fund which is not used for any productive use and similarly a Skills Development Fund exists which is not used for any effective purpose as well. He pointed out that the Government can manage assistance needed through such funds.

Delving into the matter of future expansion plans Yapa conveyed that the company had developed a medium term expansion plan to optimise its business expansion, especially in Shipbuilding Sector, capitalising on the prevalent booming market condition.

He noted that venturing into Shipbuilding and even in most instances moving away from Ship repairs and engaging in Shipbuilding has become a common phenomenon, by many who engage in such activities. “However there is a significant difference in the approach adopted by CDPLC is that our expansion into Shipbuilding is whilst maintaining our capacity for Ship repairs. As a result, CDPLC has improved its Revenue from Ship repair activities almost by 42%, over year 2006, whilst reaping benefits and expanding into international Shipbuilding activities” he said. Space is the biggest concern CDPLC is faced with and therefore the expansion plans are drawn meticulously taking all factors into consideration.

The first stage of expansion was the conversion of Drydock No.2, a drydock located inline and eastward of Dock No.2, in tandem, and hitherto used for Ship repair to a Shipbuilding Dock. Along with that a 50T Shore Crane was also introduced to facilitate Block Assembly and substantial area that were underutilised, were developed to have Construction Space, with required utilities. Simultaneously, a higher capacity Press and NC Flame and Plasma Cutting of Steel too were introduced. This expansion was commenced in July 2006 and completed in 2007. The first vessel that was constructed in the Dock No. 2 was a 80 Ton Bollard Pull Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTSV) for Great Ship India Ltd. The vessel named Greatship Anjali was delivered to Great Ship India on January 2 2008, well within the contractual delivery period.

The second stage of the expansion, which is being performed currently, is augmenting the Dock No.1 to an Assembly of Hull Blocks, and creating additional construction space.

“The development plans of berthing facilities for newly built/repair vessels are been worked out in these regards for due implementation, once the current expansions and development work is under control, optimistically towards the third quarter 2008 and to be completed by end 2009” Yapa stated.

Yapa further said that CDPLC have already secured Shipbuilding projects from the international market until about 2010 and that the projects are progressing at various stages. The second AHTSV, a sister vessel of Greatship Anjali is scheduled to be delivered within the first quarter of 2008. The remainder of the already contracted vessels are to be delivered from 2009 onwards.

Answering a question on whether there were any opportunities in foreign nations Yapa disclosed that there are still opportunities for several specialized vessels, such as Aluminium Hulls and small tugs. “We are working on a number of projects and are confident of successfully concluding some of them in the near future” he said.

He further stated that CDPLC has continuously built up its Human Capital. Trainees are recruited through the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) for selected specialities and trained to meet international competencies. Those who qualify are absorbed, based on organisation's needs in human capital. Moreover in order to be competitive and to meet fluctuating demands in skill and labour requirements the company uses subcontracting of certain volumes of work as well.

Yapa said that it is not easy to give such a prediction on their expected growth for the year 2008. “We are in an international business with global competition. A majority of inputs, except labour are imported. A lot depends, especially in regard to ship repairs on the market situation” he said. Furthermore he revealed that most of their financial transactions are in foreign multiple currencies and hence, the fluctuation and vulnerabilities in the FOREX market too have a great influence on the shipping business.

DM (http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=5104)

They haven't expanded since their establishment in the 50s right ? Anyway, i saw some article somwhere about the port authorities trying to get the max use of the land, so hopefully CDL could use that opportunity.

Hopefully...

if colombo south port expansion hapeen quikly this matter will solve,but that work happening very slow

I saw an ad on the paper by Hyundai about the Souther Expansion. It says work will be commencing in February or so and were filling up their vacancies.

I saw an ad on the paper by Hyundai about the Souther Expansion. It says work will be commencing in February or so and were filling up their vacancies.

Which paper???in SL????

Yeah, Sunday Observer or something. it was a vacancy ad of course. Was just browsing through the pages and pages of ads to see if there were any articles hidden in between them and came across it,

Interesting...

May 14, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard, a unit of Japan's Onomichi and the country's sole listed shipbuilder, has won two new orders from Greatship (India), for bigger and more expensive vessels, an official said.
Greatship is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Great Eastern Shipping Company. The firm had previously ordered four anchor handling tugs from Colombo Dockyard, two of which have already been delivered.

The Indian firm, which provides services to the offshore oil and gas industry, has now placed an order for two multipurpose construction / ROV (Remotely Operated Vessel) support vessels.

The new buildings are scheduled for delivery by Colombo Dockyard in September 2010 and January 2011.

Colombo Dockyard chief executive Mangala Yapa said vessels would have larger capacities to ferry supplies like chemicals and fuel as well as crew required by the offshore industry.

He said they would also be capable of fire fighting and the design of the vessel would make provision for adding heli-decks for helicopter operations.

The vessels are designed both for operating as advanced platform support vessels, with enhanced accommodation of up to 50 passengers, and dynamic positioning propulsion that improves station keeping and maneuvering abilities.

They can also act as support vessels for ROVs which are used by the offshore oil industry for deepwater remotely operated surveys and inspection work.

The yard would not disclose the contract price but market analysts said these types of vessels for the offshore industry usually cost around 30 million dollars each.

This assures the yard revenue of at least six billion rupees from these two vessels in 2010 and 2011, they said.

The orders are in line with Greatship's strategy of exploiting the burgeoning sub-sea construction markets, both globally as well as in India, officials said.

Greatship now owns and operates three platform support vessels, two in India and one in the North Sea, and two anchor handling tug supply vessels, one in India, and one in the Middle East.

Greatship and its subsidiaries also have an order book of sixteen vessels and one rig under construction in different yards.

The first two tugs were delivered earlier this year and the yard is working on a repeat order for two more.

The tugs were the largest vessels built by the yard.

The yard has a full order book and even repairs are now booked well in advance because the ship building boom means a backlog of orders in many yards

Great to see improvement and growth at CDL...

Sri Lanka and Croatia are exploring the possibility of setting up a joint venture to build ships for the SLN.

Authoritative sources said Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda during a recent visit to Croatia had discussed the proposed venture which would also involve the Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL).

Karannagoda’s visit had been preceded by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake’s tour of Croatia, the sources said, expressing confidence the project would be a reality and facilitate Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance the operational capacity and capability of the SLN.

The SLN destroyed eight LTTE floating arsenals in separate operations conducted on the high seas beginning September 2006 to early October 2007. The sources said although the SLN had maximised the use of available assets to weaken the enemy’s ability to bring in fresh consignments of arms and ammunition, the need to acquire additional platforms couldn’t be further delayed, the sources said.

The sources said the SLN needed a range of vessels to strengthen the existing fleet to thwart Sea Tiger operations on the high seas and in the Palk Straits. A bilateral agreement between the two countries to build fighting vessels would be advantageous to Sri Lanka, a senior official said.

The Croatian government had said it was ready to get involved in the project which would be the first of its kind between Sri Lanka and a foreign government, the sources said.

http://www.island.lk/2008/06/09/news1.html

http://i26.tinypic.com/vdi8h4.gif
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http://i28.tinypic.com/df8vgm.gif

Cool, this was at BMICH, right?

Sri Lanka Colombo Dockyard March quarter profit doubles

May 28, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lankan ship builder Colombo Dockyard said net profit for the March 2009 quarter shot up 112 percent to 519 million rupees from 245 million rupees a year ago.

Revenue was virtually stagnant, up just one percent to three billion rupees in the three months ended March 31, 2009, the company said in a stock exchange filing.

Company officials said the profits came mainly from repair work which kept its docks busy and which yield higher margins than new buildings.

"In the first quarter we were quite busy on the ship repair sides, including work on dredgers," an official said.

Margins are higher on ship repairs as it involves more value addition and less material than in building new vessels.

The March quarter accounts also show that Colombo Dockyard's cost of sales and distribution costs fell as the yard launched a cost cutting drive to cope with the slowdown in business caused by recession.

The company official said that during the quarter the yard delivered the third of a four-ship order for anchor handling tugs by Greatship India with the fourth undergoing trials for planned delivery in the first week of June.

The yard, which is majority owned by Japan's Onomichi Dockyard, books profits on delivery of vessels.

A platform support vessel for the same Indian customer - the first of an order of four - is now under construction.

However, analysts say Colombo Dockyard's repair and ship building work is likely to slow down this year given the global recession and sharp downturn in the shipping industry.

With vessel hire and freight rates having crashed and an oversupply of tonnage, many owners are struggling to survive and new ships are heading straight from yards worldwide to lay-up.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1507565957

Sri Lanka yard lays keel for Indian vessel

July 05, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lankan shipyard Colombo Dockyard said it has laid the keel for construction of the third Multipurpose Platform Supply Vessel for Greatship India.

The vessel, part of an order of four, is designed to support the offshore oil and gas industry, the yard said in a statement.

The keel laying began on Thursday.

The yard's order book stands confirmed without any cancellations enabling it to maintain its current momentum till the end of 2010, it said.

The Multipurpose Platform Supply Vessels for Greatship India are designed by Seatech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd of Singapore.

The vessels, being built to Lloyd's Register of Shipping rules and regulations, can accommodate 50 people, Colombo Dockyard said.

The vessels can undertake multi-purpose roles such as transportation of pipes, fresh water, diesel oil, bulk cement, stores, equipment, moving men and materials between platforms and shore, and also engage in fire fighting.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2126067442

Sri Lanka dockyard gets order for offshore supply vessels

Sept 03, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard said it has won an order worth about seven billion rupees to build two tugs for a Singapore customer with an option for two more vessels of the same type.

The contract for the 130 tonne bollard pull Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels was significant as it comes at a time shipping is in recession and many yards have closed or face cancelled orders, it said in a statement.

"This was the first contract (Colombo Dockyard) penned with this new client and (we) had to outbid stiff competition from several South East Asian shipbuilding yards in order to secure this contract."

Colombo Dockyard did not say who the new client was but it has previously built similar vessels for Greatship India and its Singapore subsidiary.

The contract will enable the yard ride out the difficult times experienced the world over because of recession, it said

"The significance of this contract is that during recession times when other global yards record cancellation of confirmed orders, (some even having to close down their operations), Colombo Dockyard has been able to attract new customers."

The end of the 30-year ethnic war, after government forces defeated Tamil Tiger rebels in May, had "immensely helped" the yard to aggressively market its products, it said.

"This is the largest capacity vessel (bollard pull wise), that Colombo Dockyard has contracted in its 35-year history," the statement said.

These vessels are scheduled to be delivered by the end of June 2011 and the end of September 2011.

The vessel design has been developed by Moss Maritime AS of Norway, a ship designing company having expertise and experience in the field of designing vessels, platforms and floaters used by the offshore industry.

The vessels are designed to undertake supply duties for offshore units, anchor handling and towing of barges and other vessels.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=731876775

Great to see that they have secured new contracts. With most major economies emerging from the recession and the war over in SL, the future looks bright.

BTW, i found this PDF on the Greatship Anjali, it gives all the statistics of the ship.
GREATSHIP ANJALI: MOSS 501 AHTSV - 80 T BP, DP II, FiFi-1 (http://static.greatshipglobal.com/public/download/pdfs/offshore_logistics/anchor_handlers/greatship_anjali.pdf)

Sri Lanka shipyard says war's end helps win new business

Sept 17, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard said it has won repair orders from an Indian tanker owner with the end of the 30-year ethnic war helping to attract new business.

The listed shipbuilder said in a statement that Pratibha Shipping Co had sent two tankers for dry-docking repairs in mid-June and early July, soon after government forces defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in May.

Pratibha Shipping, which has a fleet of eight tankers, subsequently sent a third tanker for repair at the yard in Colombo port.

"The eradication of terrorism, emergence of peace and political stability has immensely helped Colombo Dockyard to aggressively market our services successfully in the world arena," the statement said.

"Colombo Dockyard’s faster turn around time, high quality of workmanship, competitive pricing, strategic location close to main sea routes are some of the key advantageous for the international tanker owners."

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1336689810

Dockyard builds largest ship

Harshini Perera

Sri Lanka should not consider India as a threat any longer but an opportunity to earn foreign income to the country.

One such instance in the history of ship building is about to be unravelled by the Colombo Dockyard PLC, as it has constructed the first and largest passenger vessel on the request of the Indian Government, Colombo Dockyard PLC, Managing Director, CEO, Mangala P.B. Yapa told Daily News Business.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/04/z_page-i-Dockyard-02.jpg
The ship Arabian Sea at the Dockyard

‘The Arabian Sea’ will be the first and the largest sea going passenger vessel constructed in Sri Lanka for the international market that can carry 250 passengers cum 100 tons of cargo capacity.

It will be handed over to the Central Government of India early this year.

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/04/bus01.asp

Largest vessel built in Colombo leaves for India

By Devan Daniel

Sri Lankan shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard PLC has a full order book to build new vessels until early 2012 and is poised to capture the Indian market by creating synergies with related companies in India specialising in designing and fitting sea going vessels. The company’s ship repairs business however is under stress with fewer ships calling at the Colombo Port due to the global financial crisis.

"We have been building synergies with India which would continue to build the region’s capacity for ship repairs and ship building. There are services India excels in such as in designing vessels and we excel in workmanship and by creating synergies between the two countries we can outsource areas in shipbuilding that Indian companies are good at," CDP Managing Director Mangala Yapa said.

Both China and India are expected to lead the global economic recovery after the crisis and Yapa believes CDP should take advantage of Sri Lanka’s close proximity to the subcontinent. Currently, about 75 percent of its business comes from India, the latest being a passenger vessel built for the government of India.

"We have closely with Indian authorities and Indian companies in the industry. For those who say working with India is difficult and takes too much time, Colombo Dockyard has proved that it is a myth. We have a strong bond with India which augurs well for Indo-Lanka relationships," Yapa said.

The biggest yet...

CDP built a passenger vessel, christened the ‘Arabian Sea’, capable of carrying 250 people along with cargo up to 100 tonnes for the Lakshwadeep Union Territories of India. It was flagged-off last Friday and is the first of a series of two ships for the Indian government.

The Arabian Sea is the biggest and the first passenger vessel to be built in Colombo. Its construction commenced in March 2008. Both vessels would bring in US$ 36.6 million in revenues to CDP (approximately Rs. 4,172 million).

J. K. Dadoo, the Administrator of Lakshwadeep islands, who was in Colombo to flag-off the ‘Arabian Sea’ invited CDP to place its bid when Lakshwadeep calls for tenders to build for two more passenger vessels the territory required with a capacity of 400 passengers each.

CDP has so far specialised in building tug boats and multi purpose utility vessels while carrying out some work for the Sri Lankan Navy building inshore ferries and Yapa said its order book is full until early 2012.

The company has built over 200 vessels over the past three decades for governments and private clients based in the Maldives, Singapore, Cyprus, India, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Riding the waves...

CDP’s ship repairs business is under stress due to the slump in shipping caused by lower trade volumes due to the global financial crisis.

"The ship repair business is under pressure because of the global recession. Consumer demand has dropped causing a drop in trade and this has caused charter rates to fall and owners are finding it difficult to pay us for their repairs. But we have been able to be successful," Yapa said.

"We have no choice but ride the waves and manage these difficult times, there is no other way. But there is great potential. With the war over and tourism expected to pickup we can look forward to more passenger vessels calling on Colombo," he said.

Financials...

According to financials filed with the Colombo Stock Exchange, CDP recorded a net profit of Rs. 1,792 million during the first nine months of 2009, an increase of more than 80 percent from Rs. 986 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2008.

Revenues from ship building activities grew by 60 percent from Rs. 2,313 million to Rs. 3,700 million. Ship repairs brought in Rs. 5,165 million, up 21 percent from Rs. 4,263 the previous year.

Total revenues for the first nine months of 2009 amounted to Rs. 9,476 million an increase of 32 percent from Rs. 7,169 million the previous year.

http://www.island.lk/2010/01/18/business4.html

Good move and hope they would keep building more ships like this...

Nod for boating complex:Export earning tops Rs 4.5 billion
The boat building industry has become a major money spinner for the country.

The export value contributed by the boat building industry has doubled in 2009 to Rs 4.5 billion. It was Rs 2.24 billion in 2008.

The industry’s future looks bright. The country needs to participate in international boat shows as a marketing strategy to attract demand.

Boat manufacturers have opportunities in the leisure and commercial sectors to capture markets.

Sri Lanka needs to participate in reputed international boat shows and build buyer-seller linkages and business relationships.

Shows in countries such as London, Netherlands, Germany, USA and France are important in this regard.

A positive response has received from the Government to a proposal for a dedicated boating complex to house manufacturing units for export purposes.

An advisory committee on boat building and allied trade has been set up. Its proposal will be considered in the next budget, Advisory Committee Chairman Gamini B. Herath told the Daily News Business.

“We are in the process of locating a suitable land for this complex. We have identified Trincomalee and Beruwela.

A feasibility study will be conducted shortly at a cost of Rs 75 million,” Herath said.

The complex will be dedicated for boat building to fuel export growth. Local boats have a growing demand in the international market.

A boat exhibition venue and a centre for boating will be set up in Beruwela to have a marina to berth yachts.

This area will be developed for leisure boating. Many commercial activities are expected to take place. This will be a tourist attraction and also additional entertainment for the tourists.

“We are promoting the house boat concept to be popularized among tourists as a measure to provide accommodation as an extension facility.

This will also be an outing in the water,” Herath said.

The advisory committee on boating industry is currently conducting a study on the tariff and non-tariff barriers. They are working on this issue and expects to rationalize the process.

The industry hopes that the Government will relax the capacity of out- board motor engines as a development measure.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/03/20/bus02.asp

Boat Show Sri Lanka 2010
The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2010 organized by the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka will be held from April 24 to 26 at the BMICH Colombo.

The intention of the organizers is to provide a forum for all the related business sectors involved directly and indirectly with the boating industry to display and promote their respective sectors to their potential clients.

The sectors include suppliers of leisure, pleasure, industrial and commercial, fishing vessels, material, engines, interior fixtures, fittings, electrical and electronic devices, navigation equipment, onboard safety equipment, water sports gear and equipment, credit insurance, providers of service to industry such as investment promotion, marketing and export facilitation, repairs to boats hull, engines and other equipment and training providers in boat building, sailing, navigation and seamen training. http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/03/20/bus02.asp

Nice two see SL developing. Let the two neighbours, SL and India get more close to each other in relationship.:cheers:

Nice two see SL developing. Let the two neighbours, SL and India get more close to each other in relationship.:cheers:

Yes i agree, Sri lanka and india should make major steps towards corpartion in defence and technology sector to prevent double funding.
its like sri lanka invest loads of money in an air defence system, then india also invests the same amount in another air defence system. instead sri lankan and india could work of a single budget for reserch projects contructivly, so after the system is made avaible india buys whatever amount of units it wants, and sri lanka does the same.

its like the the EU, the combined defence expenditure is 300 billion, which is about 1/3 of america defence budget. but EU does'nt have any near 1/3 of the military caperbilites of america. its more like 1/15 or 1/20 desipsite having a budget which is 1/3, it is becuase double spending by more than one country.

Sri Lanka shipbuilder starts work at new river-side yard

July 21, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lankan ship builder Colombo Dockyard has begun building a ferry for passengers in the former northern war zone using a new yard on a river close to Colombo port, a statement said.

The 100-passenger launch is being built for the state-owned Road Development Authority and will be used to ferry passengers between the northern Jaffna peninsula and a nearby island.

Colombo Dockyard, a unit of Japan's Onomichi Dockyard, said it was the first project at its newly acquired ‘Kelani River Yard’, just north of Colombo port where it has its main shipyard.

Once complete, the hull will be floated down the river and brought to the yard at the port.

"Colombo Dockyard’s expansion of facilities to the ‘Kelani River Yard’ for construction of small ships and for pre-processing of steel plates and pipes intended for large ship construction will ease congestion within the main shipyard premises," it said.

The passenger launch will be suitable for operation in rough weather conditions and will boost the small fleet of launches now in operation and used by thousands of northern commuters in the post-war era.

Normal life and economic activity in the north has resumed with the end of Sri Lanka's 30-year ethnic war in May 2009.

The steel launch will have seating capacity for 100 passengers and be powered by two main engines with a cruising speed of 10 knots and an endurance of 100 nautical miles.

The RDA plans to deploy the launch for transferring civilians from Kurikadduvan jetty of Punguduthive of the Jaffna peninsula to Delft island eight nautical miles away.

The launch will be able to operate 12 nautical miles from coast and within 50 nautical miles from a harbour, Colombo Dockyard said.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1306103656

Sri Lanka Dockyard March net up 78-pct

May 13, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan ship builder Colombo Dockyard said March 2011 quarter net profit rose 78.4 percent to 467 million rupees from a year ago with gains from both ship building and repair.

Sales rose 23.6 percent to 3.3 billion rupees, the yard, a unit of Japan's Onomich Dockyard Company, said in a stock exchange filing.

The company has been saying that its ship building order book has been full particularly with orders from an Indian customer for offshore oil field platform support vessels.

The Dockyard filing said that with effect from January 01, 2011, that it has recognised additional revenue of 164.8 million rupees from uncompleted contracts which are substantially completed.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1678005469

The Indian Navy aiming to increase the security in the coastal areas around the country has decided to purchase 80 high speed interceptor boats from a Sri Lanka-based ship manufacturer at a cost of 67 million dollars.

The contract to purchase 80 Fast Interception Craft (FIC) from Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is in its final stages and the deal is expected to be finalized soon, a PTI report said today.

Dubai based multinational company, Solas Marine Services Group established the Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under Sri Lanka Board of Investment. The company is located along the Hamilton Canal at Wattala, near Colombo.

According to Indian naval officials the boats with speeds between 45-50 miles per hour are planned to be used for coastal security duties and to engage any suspicious craft or activities in the coastal areas.

The Indian Navy expects to induct the 80 FIC in the next three years, the report said.

source : http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11A/Jun30_1309443637CH.php


But someone clearly need to update their website.

http://solasmarinelanka.com/index_frame.html

^^

Sri Lanka Dockyard wins Indian passenger ferry deal

Aug 31, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard said it has won an order to build two passenger ferries for India's Laskshadweep island administration, on the wake of an earlier delivery to the same customer.

The contract comes a year after delivery of two passenger vessels, Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep Sea, for the Administration of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL) in India, the shipyard said in a statement.

The vessels ordered will have the capacity to carry 400 passengers and 250 tonnes of cargo.

"These two new vessels will also be deployed to cater to the increased traffic en-route from the mainland (Cochin, India) to UTL Islands, as well as in the inter-island routes," it said.

"The enhanced passenger capacity is expected to ease the movement of passengers especially during peak season."

The vessels will be designed by ship design firm, GL Noble Denton of Norway, previous known as Brevik Engineering, meeting class rules of Lloyd's Register of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping.

The passengers will have different categories of accommodation with 10 first class, 40 second class and 350 normal class passenger transportation facilities, the statement said.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1691372981

Oct 17, Colombo: India has signed a deal worth over US$ 61 million to purchase 80 high speed interceptor boats from a Sri Lanka-based ship manufacturer, Indian news agency PTI reported.

The Indian Navy aiming to increase the security in the coastal areas around the country has decided to equip the patrolling wing Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) with the purchase 80 fast-interception craft (FICs) from Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The deal was signed with Solas Marine three weeks ago and the boats are scheduled to be delivered in the next three years.

Reportedly, the Sri Lanka-based firm was selected after a global tendering process by the Navy in June.

According to Indian naval officials the FICs with speeds between 45-50 miles per hour are planned to be used for coastal security duties and to engage any suspicious craft or activities in the coastal areas.

Dubai based multinational company, Solas Marine Services Group established the Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under Sri Lanka Board of Investment. The company is located along the Hamilton Canal at Wattala, near Colombo.

Tue, Oct 18, 2011, 12:18 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Mar 05, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard Plc, a unit of Japan's Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd, said profits grew 28 percent to 1.9 billion rupees helped by new buildings, amid tough conditions for ship repairs.

In the December quarter the group reported earnings of 434 million rupees, up 7.9 percent from a year earlier. The group reported earnings 6.11 rupees per share for the quarter and 27.81 rupees for the year.
Revenues rose 28 percent to 16.3 billion rupees and cost of sales also rose 28 percent to 13.4 billion rupees allowing gross profit to rise 30 percent to 2.9 billion rupees.

Revenues from ship building rose 43 percent to 11.0 billion rupees in the year.

The group said its focus and a reputation for building high quality support ships for the oil industry had brought benefits.

"Our focus on shipbuilding for the Offshore Supporting Vessels (OSV) market segment has also held us in good stead in that the strategic diversification decisions taken many years ago have seen us charter into niche areas, " Chairman Akihiko Nakauchi told shareholders in the annual report.

"The ship repair area of our business, meanwhile, did have to contend with survival strategy, where ship owners minimised spending and delayed repairs until statutory regulations dictate that repairs be completed."

In 2012, an anchor handling tug supply vessel and two multi-purpose platform supply vessels had been delivered.

Managing director Mangala Yapa said the order book was full and capacity fully utilized until the end of 2013.

Four platform supply vessels are to be completed in 2013, and another in 2014. Colombo Dockyard was also building two 400 passenger cum 250 tonne cargo vessels to be used by Lakshadweep administration in India.

Ship repair revenue rose 4.8 percent to 4.6 billion rupees, but the firm said there was less business from long-time India based customers, and overall market conditions were weak with prices slashed at by Chinese yards.