Colombo Dockyard opens branch office for afloat repairs in Trincomalee

From left: CDPLC General Manager (Production) T.S. Godakumbura, CDPLC General Manager (Ship Repair Business) S.G. Senadheera, CDPLC MD/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe, CDPLC Chairman H. Tanaka, Secretary to the State Ministry D.D. Mataraarachchi, State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera, SLPA Addl. Managing Director – Technical Susantha Abeysiriwardena, SLPA DHM Capt. A.M.S.P. Arampath, SLPA Resident Manager K.A.K.N.W. Weerasinghe, SLPA Director – Development M.S.S. Devapriya and SLPA Chief Engineer (M/W) J.A. Chandraratne

The rapid response afloat repair service has now expanded its reach to all major Sri Lankan ports. Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) ceremonially opened a branch office at the Trincomalee Port auspiciously on 2 November.

The ceremonial opening of the office was marked by cutting of the ribbon by State Minister of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development Jayantha Samaraweera. 

Addressing the invitees, the State Minister said: “This is a historical moment. While ship repairing is adding to the profile of Trincomalee port, this event is an opportunity to expose the boat and shipbuilding capabilities of the country to the world.”

Secretary to the State Ministry D.D. Matharaarachchi added: “We identify the extension of ship repairing facility to Trincomalee Port as a national interest by the President, hence Colombo Dockyard has all the blessings from all the authorities.”

Addressing the gathering SLPA Addl. Managing Director – Technical Susantha Abeysiriwardena emphasised Colombo Dockyard in Trincomalee port was a strength, value addition and honour to port. “We consider your (CDPLC) presence in Trincomalee Port as a compliment from Colombo Dockyard to us.”

The guests were welcomed by CDPLC Chairman H. Tanaka: “We look forward to strengthening the relationship between all parties as we have to work as one team to establish the ‘brand Trincomalee’ as a future hub for afloat and offshore repairs.”

While thanking the invitees MD/CEO D.V Abeysinghe extended a special note of thanks to the State Minister and his team for the professional guidance and support extended in establishing this operation in Trincomalee. A special mention was accorded to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for its continued support and cooperation extended towards their ship repair and shipbuilding operations within the port premises. “This capacity augmentation for afloat repairs in Sri Lanka is expected to bring in much-needed foreign exchange to the Sri Lankan economy.”

The new establishment will allow CDPLC’s afloat repair team which serves in Colombo and Hambantota to extend their services to Trincomalee to handle larger size vessels comfortably. The growing economies of India and Bangladesh rapidly increase the marine traffic between East India to Asia, which increases the prospect afloat repair and service opportunities in the region.

Taking advantage of the natural deep draft facilities, proximity and sheltered water, the Offshore Engineering Sector of CDPLC can conveniently provide repair and service assistance for long lay up of oil rigs in Krishna Godavari Oil Field in India, as well as oil exploration and drilling operations in Mannar and Cauvery basin in Sri Lanka, thus expanding the Colombo Dockyard’s ship repair footprint to the east coast of the island.

Established in 1974 Colombo Dockyard PLC is a Board of Investment (BOI) registered establishment, listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating in collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. Japan since 1993 (for over 28 years), the pioneer ship repair, shipbuilding and heavy and offshore engineering facility.

State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera opening the CDPLC Branch office at Trincomalee

 CDPLC Chairman Hideki Tanaka lighting the traditional oil lamp

CDPLC MD/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe, State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera, State Ministry Secretary D.D. Mataraarachchi and SLPA Resident Manager K.A.K.N.W. Weerasinghe during the inspection of the site