ECONOMYNEXT – Colombo Dockyard, a unit of Japan’s Onomichi group will invest to boost afloat repairs at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port, which is run by China’s CM Ports.
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) said it had signed an agreement with Colombo Dockyard to construct state-of-the-art ship repair workshop at the port.
Johnson Liu, Chief Representative of CM Group in Sri Lanka and CEO of HIPG, emphasised the strategic advantage of HIP’s location.
“HIP’s position along the east-west routes of the Indian Ocean makes it an ideal site for developing and expanding ship repair services,” Johnson Liu, Chief Representative of the CM Group in Sri Lanka and Chief Executive of HIPG said in a statement.
“The capacity to handle large volumes of repair work combined with CDPLC’s expertise will make this partnership a vital part of the port’s operations.”
The Managing Director of Onomichi Dockyard Company, Japan, and Director of Colombo Dockyard, Kunio Kobatake, had recently visited Hambantota Port.
Colombo Dockyard, which has dry docks and ship-building facilities at Colombo Port, is to invest one million dollars in a new afloat ship repair facility.
CDPLC is investing approximately 1 million USD in a new afloat repair facility, strengthening its presence at HIP. Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director of CDPLC, said,
“Our collaboration with Hambantota International Port has been mutually beneficial,” Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director of Colombo Dockyard said.
The port’s facilities allow us to offer advanced afloat repair services to a wide range of ships, including some of the largest ocean-going vessels.
Our combined expertise, the port’s multipurpose capabilities, and experienced staff bode well for the future of our extended partnership.
“We anticipate a significant increase in business with the new state-of-the-art facility, ensuring that HIP becomes the premier destination for afloat repairs in the Indian Ocean region.”
CEO Johnson Liu added, “The new ship repair workshop will enhance our current services, further advancing HIP’s evolution into a fully multipurpose port.
The new ship repair workshop will enhance Hambantota Ports current services, helping in its strategy of becoming a multipurpose port, Liu said.