Aitken Spence marks World Maritime Day

Over a horizon of 153 years, Aitken Spence has expanded its presence across the globe, by engaging in many pioneering projects. The journey which commenced in 1868 as an exporter and importer of goods has pivoted the group, from the southern port in Sri Lanka to eight countries across Asia, Oceania and the African continent. Today the blue-chip conglomerate has a strong presence in the hotels, destination management, maritime and port services, freight logistics solutions, plantations, power generation, printing packaging and apparel manufacturing sectors and other services. 

The pioneering spirit 

The Spensonian pioneering spirit is strongly resonated in the Aitken Spence Maritime Freight & Logistics Cluster. 

Aitken Spence Maritime is the first Sri Lankan company to undertake port efficiency enhancement management overseas; with its entry to the African continent and subsequently the South Pacific. The company has provided Port Efficiency Enhancement Expertise to multiple port terminals in South Africa and Mozambique. Aitken Spence is also the first Sri Lankan company to be involved in a Public Private Partnership overseas with its substantial strategic investments in Port Terminals in Fiji. 

The Aitken Spence Logistics pioneered the off-dock container depot, off-dock CFS and Distri-park concept in Sri Lanka. The Integrated Logistics sector operates in diverse segments and is the market leader for Container Freight Station (CFS) and Mobile Storage Solutions. The sector operates the largest Inland Container Terminal in the country while Transport, Warehousing and Special Operations and is recognised as a benchmark service provider.

Aitken Spence Cargo, are the pioneers of freight forwarding in Sri Lanka. The freight logistics sector has navigated seasons of complexity and ambiguity, to bring endless possibilities and supply chain resilience to our business partners, through strong commitment for operational excellence. 

Sri Lankan maritime capabilities in the global arena

Aitken Spence maritime capability is multi-faceted and is capable in handling all areas of maritime services – from shipping and cargo handling services, to liner agency, handling cruise vessel, vessel husbandry services, port management and development to chartering services.  Aitken Spence Maritime has demonstrated the Sri Lankan maritime capability by providing expertise to port terminals through benchmarking and productivity enhancement programs, in both African and Oceania regions.

Purposeful leadership

Aitken Spence has given purposeful leadership to the maritime industry and is proud to have produced five Chairmen of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) the first being E.L. Van Langenberg (1969-1972) followed by M.L. Mack (1980-1983, 1984-1987, 1990-1991), A.N. Maralande (1992-1995), A.R. Perera (2002-2004) and Iqram Cuttilan (2019-2021) and Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake as an integral member of the CASA Advisory Council.

Service par excellence during the pandemic

This World Maritime Day as we celebrate the sea farers and their contribution, Aitken Spence recognises the frontliners of the company and the industry who have taken bold steps to conquer chaos and provide supply chain reliability during the global pandemic. It expresses its appreciation and sincere gratitude for their integral contribution. 

Portfolio of enduring partnerships

Aitken Spence Maritime Freight Logistics has collaborations with global brands; having partnered with top global shipping lines, cruise operators, airlines, logistics providers, NVOCC and international freight forwarding networks. These enduring partnerships have elevated Sri Lanka in the world map of global trade. 

Sustainability

Sustainability has been integrated across their business. Aitken Spence is committed to provide inclusive and diverse employment and is an industry benchmark for workplace inclusion with above industry women representation, across the organisational structure. 

Continuing its commitment for sustainability and in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4), the cluster has invested substantially in CINEC campus which is Sri Lanka’s largest private higher education campus and Maritime Academy. CINEC too has expanded its presence and manages the Maritime Academies in Fiji Islands and Seychelles. Today, Aitken Spence Maritime Freight Logistics’ presence is across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, and it recognises the vital role of the ocean and ocean life. 

On this World Maritime Day, it pledges its support towards Corporate Ocean Responsibility (SDG 14) and have embarked on a journey in uncharted waters to ‘Save Our Oceans’. It seeks your support! As we are individually strong, together invincible.