World’s largest container vessel CMA CGM Marco Polo calls at Colombo

• Govt. to make Sri Lanka a competitive shipping hub in Asia: Arjuna

​

Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga is presenting a memento to CMA CGM Marco Polo Container ship Captain Zlatkosisa whilst Hayleys Chairman Mohan Pandithage looks on

 - Pix by Upul Abayasekara

By Waruni Paranagamage 

Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga said that the Government would effectively develop all of its ports to strengthen Sri Lanka as a shipping hub in Asia.

He made these remarks while welcoming the largest container vessel, CMA CGM Marco Polo, to Colombo Port yesterday. 

The Minister said that they were looking forward to further improving the capacity and facilities of terminals at Colombo Port with an intention to attract more vessels to the country.

“We have one of the most attractive ports in the world. We have given all the ships attractive rates and that’s why the ships are coming. We will further develop infrastructure facilities in Colombo Port in order to achieve the set targets,” he said.  

The Minister revealed that the Government was also planning on developing a dockyard in Trincomalee.

“At present we are conducting a feasibility study to develop a dockyard at Hambantota Port,” he added.

Ranatunga said that the port industry has seen a significant improvement during the past six months, with a new Government coming into power with clear policy directions.

“Now we should focus on enhancing the potential of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). We can generate remarkable income for the country by developing the east container terminal at the Colombo Port,” the minister further asserted.

The UK registered Marco Polo was the world’s largest vessel in 2012. It was launched on 7 November 2012 and is the only UK flag containership. The vessel is 396 meters long and 29.9 meters tall. CMA CGM Marco Polo is owned by CMA SHIPS in France with an engine capacity of 1,800,000 horse power.

The vessel had more than 200 containers to be offloaded at the Colombo Port yesterday. The ship was scheduled to depart Colombo Port last night. The Hayleys Group of Companies is the local agent of the ship.