Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Monday, 23 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A memento handed over to the vessel, marking the successful project completion (from left): SR Head of Marketing Darshana Chandrasekera, Estimating and Invoicing Engineer H. Atapattu and Capt. Ferdi Heymann
A Hill Robinson International Inc. USA managed expedition motor yacht called Colombo Dockyard for her repair dry docking and lay up repair requirements during January 2015. This 58 metre expedition motor yacht, designed and built in 1999 by Halter Marine as Samantha Lyn., underwent a significant refit in 2008, returned to Colombo for dry docking repairs requirements after her cruising assignments in the Maldives. This vessel had previously utilised Colombo’s repair assistance during May 2014, where afloat repair requirements were attended.
Colombo Dockyard facilities have been utilised by many international players for maintaining their valued assets and this has been a good project that has been successfully completed meeting owners’ and class requirements.
Colombo Dockyard has been aggressively marketing its repair services for this specialised sector, with specialist assistance of Duncan McGregor of Eclipse Yachts Thailand, who was instrumental in coordinating this project. After completing her repairs in Colombo Dockyard she has shifted to Colombo port berth for further layup. The vessel will return back to her cruising duties in either Maldives or Seychelles.
Passenger yacht Pangaea accommodated in Colombo Dockyard’s Dock No. 03 repair pier during her lay-up repair call
During this call the work package consisted of dry docking related routine repairs, specialised (yacht finish) coating scheme, repairs to main engine wire loom, modification to the emergency fire pump suction, deck crane repairs and load testing, servicing of air-conditioning and refrigeration plants.
The owner’s interests were looked after by Capt. Ferdi Heymann. The yard team was headed by Ajith Kariyapperuma Ship Manager, who was well supported by all production departments to re-deliver the vessel on schedule. Invoicing and specialised service arrangements were handled by Estimating and Invoicing Engineer Athapattu.
The owners were happy with the excellent facilities at their disposal coupled with the quality workmanship, professional approach to meet the owners requirements were highly appreciated.
The high net worth luxury yacht repair sector prospects look promising, with many of the yacht operators terminating their cruises close to Maldives in the Indian Ocean and reverting to repair-maintenance soon after a charter. McLarens Shipping Ltd. handled the local husbanding work smoothly.
Colombo has already emerged as a marine hub for commercial container traffic. The successful completion of this luxury yacht project and marketing of services to this un-tapped sector looks promising for the future. The maritime industry in Sri Lanka has seen rejuvenated activity with the Government of Sri Lanka implementing infrastructure development projects to cater to the leisure industry, specifically in Galle and in the longer term the Colombo Port city with a yacht marina on the cards, should attract the big players.
