Aitken Spence Brings Logos Hope to Sri Lanka Again
Monday, 30 September 2013 00:51
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Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair vessel, was recently at the Port of Colombo. For over three decades the vessel and its predecessors ‘Logos’ and ‘Doulos’ have been represented in Sri Lanka by Aitken Spence Shipping, a subsidiary of diversified conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC.
Previously in 2011, Mv Logos Hope, the goodwill passenger cruise liner cum book exhibition vessel, created history when it docked at the Port of Hambantota, as the first-ever passenger vessel to call at the port, while making a stop at the Port of Galle.
“We are honoured to handle Logos Hope in Sri Lanka once again and have been the agents for these vessels since the early 1980s. Logos Hope brings a global message of education and hope to countries across the world and we are truly privileged to be a part of it for three decades,” said Iqram Cuttilan, Vice President of Aitken Spence Shipping.
Aitken Spence Shipping, pioneers in the industry, represent some of the world’s leading shipping lines and are the first in Sri Lanka to undertake port efficiency enhancement management overseas with its entry into the African continent and then the Pacific.
The company handles all areas of maritime services – from ship agents and cargo handlers, to liner agency, cruise vessel, port management and development, ship owning and chartering services. With the Group’s involvement in the leisure industry, the company is able to offer comprehensive synergised services to cruise operators.
Aitken Spence Shipping is subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC which is among Sri Lanka’s leading and most respected corporate entities with operations in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific. Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence has major interests in hotels, travel, maritime services, logistics and power generation. The group also has a significant presence in plantations, printing, financial services, insurance, information technology and garments.
Logos Hope, which arrived on 29 August at the port, commenced its ‘Book Fair’ open to the public the following day; when it was ceremoniously opened by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. The ship continued to remain in Colombo till 23 September.
The vessel is staffed by volunteers – around 400 people from about 50 different countries, who serve with varying contributions. The volunteers live on board managing the overall operations and maintenance of the ship. A multicultural contingent whose purpose is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.
Owned and operated by GBA SHIPS (GuteBücherfürAlle/Good Books for All), a German based charity organisation, the project is initiated as non-profit International Book Fair and Youth Service Project. GBA SHIPS has a longstanding record of welcoming more than 42 million people on board since 1970, and have visited over 150 countries over the years. Logos Hope is currently now their only operational vessel, while it has been the first ship to carry a floating book fair.
