Hemas and Mercantile Shipping float ‘MercMas’

Begins maritime service operations with the launch of crew boats in Galle

H&M Shipping Services (Pvt) Ltd., a joint venture between Hemas Transportation Ltd and Mercantile Shipping Company PLC, has launched their brand new crew boats MercMas I and MercMas II at a colourful ceremony in Galle.

H&M shipping services will specialise in providing high quality maritime services to vessels plying within and outside the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. The company will operate with the brand MercMas which will symbolise the synergies of its parent companies.

The company will provide complete solutions to ship crew embarking and disembarking from vessels by handling their lodging and arrival/departure and transfer to and from the vessel at the outer port limit in Galle. These vessels are capable of carrying up to 12 crew and are able to handle the transfer of spares and equipment. MercMas will also provide emergency evacuation services and other related maritime services to vessels.

The company aims to leverage on its long heritage in the maritime industry of its promoter, Mercantile Shipping Company Ltd (MSCL) and provide an unmatched service to its clients through its new crew boats which are significantly faster and are more energy efficient in operation, thereby being a more eco-friendly operator. This is the first in a series of services planned by MercMas which will specialise in off shore maritime solutions and aims to be a leading player in the industry in Sri Lanka in time to come.

Hemas Transportation Ltd. is a fully-owned subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC a diversified conglomerate with a focus on five key sectors namely; Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Leisure, Power Generation and Transportation. Mercantile Shipping Company PLC is the largest ship owner and operator in Sri Lanka.