JKH forms JV with global maritime giant Inchcape Shipping Services 

JKH Transportation Sector Head Zafir Hashim (left) and Inchcape Vice President Marine Services for Middle East, South Asia and Africa Matthew Paice 

One of the largest maritime firms in the world the UK-based Inchcape Shipping Services and John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) have signed a joint venture agreement recently to form ‘Inchcape Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping Ltd.’

The new venture offers a differentiated value proposition as an experienced and reliable link in the customer’s supply chain and aims to be a leading provider of high-quality maritime services in Sri Lanka.

A diverse range of maritime services in Sri Lanka will include port agency, husbandry, crew logistics services, ship chandelling, bunker fuel supply arrangement, liner agency, marine survey and inspection, logistics services to oil and gas, construction, dredging, cable-laying, cruise tourism and other sectors, military support services and maritime consultancy.

JKH Transportation Sector Head Zafir Hashim said: “We are excited about the new joint venture between Inchcape and JKH. Given the global presence of Inchcape and the local presence of JKH, we are sure we can provide an exceptional service to both international and local clients. With Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the global maritime route, the services offered through this joint venture will certainly attract a multitude of new clients to call at the shores of Sri Lanka for ship-related services.”.

Inchcape Vice President Marine Services for Middle East, South Asia and Africa Matthew Paice said: “It is long overdue that Inchcape has a presence in Sri Lanka. This new venture will allow Inchcape to offer an improved and expanded offering to its customers in this growing and important market. We could not have a better partner to take this next step than John Keells Group and Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping.”

With 174 years of service to the international shipping industry and 240 offices in 60 countries, comprising a team of over 2,500 professional and committed staff, Inchcape is one of the largest maritime service providers in the world. Inchcape’s unique geographical footprint means it can offer customers a full range of services, delivered safely and with a consistent commitment to exceptional service, governance, and transparency wherever they are in the world.

The John Keells Group ports and shipping businesses comprise Sri Lanka’s first private-sector terminal operator – South Asia Gateway Terminals in consortium with A.P. Moller terminals, Lanka Marine Services – the primary supplier of marine bunker fuels and lubricants in Sri Lanka and Mackinnon Mackenzie and Company (Shipping) Ltd., which is widely known and respected by both Sri Lankan and overseas shipping communities.