Category: Recent News

On the 24^th of October 2023, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) ceremoniously handed over the 3^rd vessel of the 5000DWT Eco Bulk Carriers series, named “Misje Viola,” to the Norwegian company Misje Eco Bulk AS.

Figure 1 – 5000DWT Eco Bulk Carrier “Misje Viola”

The event was attended by Mr. Roald Misje, Chairman of Misje Eco Bulk AS, Ms. Alina Printseva, the company’s CFO, Mr. Alexander Misje along with representatives including Mr. Thusitha Herath, Mr. Prince Dharmarajan, Mr. Venura Wanasinghe, and Mr. Aleksei Belousov. Also, the vessel’s crew and Mr. Saman.A. Kumarasinghe, the Country Manager of DNV, were among the participants.

Figure 2 – Mr. Roald Misje Chairman of Misje and Mr. Thimira S. Godakumbura MD/CEO of Colombo Dockyard Exchanging Delivery Protocols

From CDPLC side, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura MD/CEO, Mr. J.Furukawa Director, and a host of other Senior Management and Staff /employees were present.

The first vessel of the series was delivered by CDPLC in September last year, followed by the second vessel in April this year. The construction of this third vessel notably took a shorter time span in comparison.

The 89.95 m DNV classed Eco Bulker was designed by the Wartsila Norway, and detailed design was caried out inhouse by the CDPLC design team. The vessel comprises with Energy Storage Battery System (ESS) for Electric Hybrid Propulsion on top of the conventional diesel propulsion facility.

Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway (Misje) is the very first European client of CDPLC and this project too illustrates CDPLC’s reputation in the European market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality” receiving high recognition and acceptance in Europe market.

CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan with a 35% stake by Sri Lankan Government institutions. Expanding its business nearly five decades, CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization as the leading contributors to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector.

Figure 3 – Dignitaries Presented at the Ceremony.

Figure 4 – Group Photo

Colombo Dockyard PLC operates Rapid Response Afloat Repair Services to Vessels to assure safe sailing in Indian ocean even they face challenges. MV Pavo Brave entangled her propeller with a steel buoy in Bangladesh and shut her propulsion down immediately. The vessel’s management company, MMS Co. Ltd Japan contacted our parent company Onomichi Dockyard Ltd, Japan and sought their intervention to assist the vessel repair through Colombo Dockyard PLC. The shipyard immediately arranged safe berthing at Hambantota Port and got ready to repair the propulsion system which could extend to greater levels depending on the damage.

The greatest impact to the vessel in such emergency situation is finding an immediate docking slot at close proximity and the waiting time. Understanding these concerns, RRARS developed a proven method of commencing shaft line repairs while afloat was proposed for this project. With the experience of repeating the same exercise in several bulk carriers, Colombo Dockyard successfully convinced MMS Co. Ltd to attend repairs without docking at Hambantota port which also saved considerable cost for towing.

The vessels MMS Co. Ltd manage are trading globally hence Colombo Dockyard, being located in a strategic location in the middle of Indian ocean is an ideal partner for their planned and emergency repair needs.

The vessel was towed to Hambantota Port and Colombo Dockyard’s Planning team decided to remove the propeller and rest it at the pier to repair due to the deformations of the propeller was observed. Being masters in handling such high risk and highly involved jobs, Rapid Response Afloat Repair Services (RRARS) team made the necessary arrangements to remove the propeller and transport it to the berth. The team removed the intermediate shaft and the tail shaft, inspected and measured the stern tube bearing and contact area of tail shaft, all which were found to be within the parameters as the ship has managed to take immediate actions to avoid further damage at the initial stage of contact with buoy. Following the surveyor’s advice, bond testing of both Fwd and Aft bearings was carried out and found all were intact.

In parallel, propeller’s damage was assessed by RRARS team followed by NDT testing. After which the necessary repairs and fairing up process commenced at controlled conditions. After bringing the blades to the designed profile, it was MPI tested and fitted back onboard. The remarkable expertise exhibited by the Colombo Dockyard team was evident as they fastidiously worked on refurbishing the propeller and aft seal, leaving no detail overlooked in the pursuit of restoring them to their optimal states.  All these repairs and inspections were carried out under the supervision of Class NK, the vessel’s classification society.

Colombo Dockyard acknowledges MMS Co. Ltd for the confidence placed in their Afloat Repair Services and placing their valuable asset to undergo this unique repair at Hambantota Port, where the project was completed within budget and on time meeting the client’s expectations.  The head of Afloat Repairs, Mr. Y.R.A.P.M. Rajapakse managed the overall project while the repair team was led by Ship repair Engineer Mr. D.J. Jayatunga under the guidance of Asst. Production Manager for Engine Dept. Mr. D. Abeywickrama.

Colombo Dockyard PLC also established the Afloat repair support at Trincomalee port by forming a branch office inside the port premises. The purpose of providing solutions to the vessels at their emergencies is yet again proved by The RRARS team. This special unit is fully geared to handle afloat repairs in any port or any anchorage in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Dockyard PLC is privileged to be selected as an afloat repair service provider to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) at the Colombo Port.

This is the first time for JMSDF to repair one of their vessels at a foreign shipyard, and Colombo Dockyard PLC is selected as the first shipyard in a foreign country to offer the repair facilities. The afloat repair was successfully carried out from 21st to 25th July 2023 at the port of Colombo.

The JMSDF team was highly impressed and satisfied with the superior quality workmen-ship and the service level of Colombo Dockyard. The team also commended on the quality of the underwater diving work handled during this call.

Mr Hideki Tanaka, Chairman of Colombo Dockyard, highlighted that we are proud and privileged to be selected as the first shipyard to provide repair services for JMSDF fleet in a foreign country. We also take this opportunity to appreciate the support extended by the JMSDF, Embassy of Japan, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ministry of Defence, and the Sri Lanka Navy to make this historic repair call a success.

Colombo Dockyard PLC operating in Collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. since 1993, has proven to be a remarkably successful partnership spanning 30 years, serving the regional and international owner’s requirements efficiently in the maritime industry. Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd, Japan being a well-respected shipyard in Japan, being the mother company of Colombo Dockyard PLC, the paved the way for Colombo Dockyard to enter into serving the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force vessels.

On the 28th of July 2023, Colombo Dockyard PLC made history by delivering the first-ever Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (CLRV) to the European market from Sri Lanka.

Our client Orange Marine, a prominent French company, is a specialist in submarine telecommunications. They excel in every aspect of this field, including initial design, engineering, installation of intercontinental and regional links, as well as the maintenance of existing cables. Their fleet is widely recognized for its expertise and is considered one of the most experienced in the world, representing an impressive 15% of the global fleet in this sector.

Colombo Dockyard delivered the first Cable Layer (CLV) to Japan in 2019. Now, with the delivery of “C/S Sophie Germain,” this becomes the second vessel of its category delivered by the shipyard. This remarkable accomplishment establishes Colombo Dockyard as a leading player in the international market, earning a reputation for successfully delivering two Cable Layer vessels within a short span of just five years.

The ceremonial delivery of “C/S Sophie Germain” took place at Dock No 4 south pier of CDPLC premises, and was attended by owners, dignitaries from the Embassies of France and Japan in Sri Lanka, officials from government institutions including BOI,EDB,SLPA and Sri Lanka Navy, Merchant Shipping, state and private banks, Class surveyors, CDPLC top management, and employees.

During the ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel Decugis, the Ship Newbuilding Project Director of Orange Marine, broke the traditional Sri Lankan milk pot to symbolize the delivery of the ship. He also received the ship model on behalf of Orange Marine. The event was further attended by representatives from Orange Marine, including superintendents and the ship’s crew, making it a significant moment for the company.

HE. Mr. Jean-François Pactet French Ambassador of Sri Lanka, HE Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki Japan Ambassador of Sri Lanka , Mr. Murakami first secretary of Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Jean Alexander Egea – Head of the Economic Department and Economic Advisor and Coordinating attaché Ms.Imali Akarawita from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka represented the foreign missions.

From CDPLC Mr. Hideaki Tanaka Chairman, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura MD/CEO, Mr. Nozaki Technical Advisor/ Alternate Director and a host of other Senior Management and Staff participated at this occasion.

“C/S Sophie Germain” is a state-of-the-art, high-technology vessel, specifically designed and equipped for sub-sea cable laying and repair operations.

The vessel was designed by Vard Design AS of NorwayThe detailed design work was carried out in-house by Colombo Dockyard’s skilled design team.

The vessel is 100m in length with a beam of 18.8m and a Depth of 7.15m and shall have a deadweight capacity of 1800 DWT. The vessel can achieve an impressive speed of 14.5 knots and has accommodation facilities for 76 persons. The vessel has three cable tanks to carry fiber optic and power cables. One of the three tanks is fitted with a Carousel system.

This vessel is built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification society standards and regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority.

In his address during the occasion, CDPLC Chairman Mr. Hideaki Tanaka acknowledged the challenges faced due to the financial crisis in Sri Lanka, leading to the cancellation of significant projects and the risk of losing their standing in the international market. However, he expressed great satisfaction in the achievement of delivering “C/S Sophie Germain,” which serves as a powerful message to the international market. It demonstrates that Colombo Dockyard is coming back stronger and more resilient than ever, positioning itself as a tough and capable shipyard in the global arena.

CDPLC operating in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan continuously showing its presence to the international market and contributes heavily to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector with much needed foreign currency to the Sri Lankan economy.

This project will be instrumental in showcasing CDPLC’s reputation in the European Market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality”.

Fig-1: The C/S Sophie Germain in all her splendor

Fig-2: Group Photo with the distinguished guests at the delivery ceremony

Fig-3: Mr Hideki Tanaka, Chairman of Colombo Dockyard addressing the historic event

Fig-4: HE. Mr. Jean-François Pactet French Ambassador of Sri Lanka addressing the event

Fig-5: HE Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki Japan Ambassador of Sri Lanka addressing the event

It’s been a quite busy period for Colombo Dockyard as the keel laying of the 6th vessel of a series of 5000DWT Eco Bulk Carriers to Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway took place on 25th July 2023 at the North pier construction site.

Fig-1: Keel Laying In progress

Mr. Roald Misje (Owner), Ms. Alina Printseva (CFO), along with Site Manager Mr. Thusitha Herath and Site Superintendents Mr. Venura Wanasinghe and Mr. Prince Dharmaranjan, were present at the event, representing Misje.

Mr. Udaya Chaitanya Ganivada, Regional Manager and Mr. Saman.A. Kumarasinghe, the Country Manager of DNV, represented the function of this DNV class vessel designed by Wartsila Norway.

Mr. Hideaki Tanaka, Chairman of CDPLC, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura, MD/CEO, and Mr. Nozaki, Technical Advisor/Alternate Director, along with a host of other Senior Management and Staff, attended the event representing CDPLC.

Fig-2: Group Photos

The 89.95m DNV classed Eco Bulker was designed by Wartsila Norway, and detailed design is carried out inhouse by the CDPLC design team. The vessel comprises of an Energy Storage Battery System (ESS) for Electric Hybrid Propulsion on top of the conventional diesel propulsion facility.

Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway (Misje) is the very first European client of CDPLC and this again will extend CDPLC’s reputation in the European market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality”.

CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan with a 35% stake by Sri Lankan Government institutions. Expanding its business nearly five decades, CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization as the leading contributor to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector.

On the 22nd of July 2023, a charming and graceful ceremony was held at Colombo Dockyard premises to launch the 3rd vessel in the series of 5000DWT Eco bulk Carriers for Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway.

Mr. Roald Misje (Owner), Ms. Alina Printseva (CFO), along with Site Manager Mr. Thusitha Herath and Site Superintendents Mr. Venura Wanasinghe and Mr. Prince Dharmaranjan, were present at the event, representing Misje.

Mr. Saman.A. Kumarasinghe, the Country Manager of DNV, represented the function of this DNV class vessel designed by Wartsila Norway.

Mr. Hideaki Tanaka, Chairman of CDPLC, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura, MD/CEO, and Mr. Nozaki, Technical Advisor/Alternate Director, along with a host of other Senior Management and Staff, attended the event representing CDPLC.

Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway (Misje) is the first European client of CDPLC and this project too is expected to showcase the recognition “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality” in Europe market.

CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan with a 35% stake by Sri Lankan Government institutions. Expanding its business nearly five decades, CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization as the leading contributors to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector.

On the 21st of July 2023, a delegation comprising nearly 40 officers, including high-class officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), visited Colombo Dockyard.

During their visit, they were taken on a comprehensive yard tour, which included stops at the fitting shop, machine shop, metal workshop, and the steel fabrication workshop. They had the opportunity to witness the ongoing construction of the third vessel in the series of 5000DWT Eco Bulk carriers for Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway, at dock No. 02.

Additionally, the delegation enjoyed a vessel tour of the “C/S Sophie Germain,” a cable laying and repair vessel that is soon to be delivered to Orange Marine France. The visit provided valuable insights into Colombo Dockyard’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities and showcased the remarkable vessels being crafted for prestigious clients like Misje Eco Bulk AS and Orange Marine France.

On the 11th of July 2023, the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation, Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, conducted a field visit to Colombo Dockyard PLC. Accompanying the Minister were Mr. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation, the Managing Director of SLPA, and several other high-ranking officials.

During the visit, the delegation was given a comprehensive yard tour, which included an inspection of the CS Sophie Germain, a Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (CLRV) that is scheduled for delivery to France. They also had the opportunity to witness the progress of the 3rd 5000DWT Eco bulker of a series of vessels being constructed to Norway.

The visit provided a firsthand look at the impressive capabilities of Colombo Dockyard and highlighted the significant projects underway, demonstrating the company’s commitment to excellence in shipbuilding and maritime technology.

Excellency Mr. Jean-François Pactet Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka,

Mr. Aurélien Maillet, First Councellor/ Deputy Head of Mission and the distinguished Embassy Team visited (on 12^th June 2023) Colombo Dockyard PLC and CS Sophie Germain, Cable Repair and laying Vessel being dressed up for her delivery to Orange Marine soon.

Colombo Dockyard Management and Orange Marine Local team lead by Mr. Emmanuel Décugis welcomed the distinguished guests and accompanied to the vessel onboard.

Her Excellency Ms. Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, visited Colombo Dockyard (CDPLC) to visit the Dutch dredger “TSHD Oranje”.

HE the Ambassador was accompanied by Ms. Shanila Athulathmudali – Policy Advisor of the Embassy. The Embassy delegation met the Top Management of CDPLC and Mr. David Boustead – Associate Director, Mr. Timon Duurkoop – Technical Superintendent of the vessel TSHD Oranje, owned by Boskalis BV.

TSHD Oranje is engaged in a dredging assignment in Maldives and docked at Colombo Dockyard for an emergency repair. Colombo Dockyard is the preferred repairer for all regional and European special purpose vessels including dredgers due to the experience in handling sophisticated work scopes, convenience and high flexibility in fulfilling client’s expectations.