CSC’s new ship ‘Ceylon Princess’ has keel laid in China

Two new vessels will enhance foreign exchange savings

Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC), which hails from a rich maritime history as Sri Lanka’s national sea carrier, witnessed the keel laying ceremony of its second new break bulk vessel recently in China.

Participating at this important event, CSC Chairman Shashi Dhanatunge revealed to the media that the first vessel Ceylon Breeze would be delivered by the end of this year while the second, Ceylon Princess, is expected to be delivered to Sri Lanka by the second quarter of 2016.

These two ultramax ships each weighing 63,000 metric tons that would come into operation for the transportation of coal needed for the functioning of Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai, Puttalam, are expected to save a huge amount of foreign currency that drains out of the country at present.

Speaking at this event in the shipyard in China, the Chairman said that Ceylon Shipping Corporation has spent almost $ 35 million per ship, which would not only serve the purpose of carrying break bulk cargo but also provide maritime training to the country’s future mariners. Accordingly, each ship is equipped with all modern utilities including facilities for such training for 25 engine and deck sea cadets at a time per ship. 

The official keel laying ceremony held on 17 July also featured the signing of several mutual understandings and agreements between the shipbuilder AVIC International Beijing Company of China and Ceylon Shipping Corporation to the benefit of both parties.