Colombo Dockyard delivers 2 pilot boats built for SLPA

Roads and Highways and Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando and Ports and Shipping State Minister Kanaka Herath inspecting one of the pilot boats
Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Colombo Dockyard PLC yesterday delivered two pilot launches as per an agreement signed with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on February 1, 2019.

This ceremony was graced by Roads and Highways and Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando, Ports and Shipping State Minister Kanaka Herath, Roads and Highways and Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, Ports and Shipping State Ministry Secretary M.P.V.P. Piyathilake, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman General Daya Ratnayake, SLPA Managing Director Athula Hewavitharana, SLPA Harbour Master Capt. Nirmal Silva, Senior Surveyor Class LR Jagath Kumara and other distinguished guests
from SLPA.

Colombo Dockyard Chairman H. Tanaka, MD/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe, Director K. Kanaya, Technical Advisor Yusihiro Saki and a host of other senior management and staff representing Colombo Dockyard also took part in this momentous occasion. 

These pilot launches were designed by Macduff Ship Design Ltd of Scotland and they will be used to transport pilots from shore to ship. Each boat can accommodate a total number of eight persons including four crew members and four pilots and it can achieve a service speed of 22 knots.

They are designed to hold a high degree of stability and comfort in all weather conditions and will provide a stable platform during embarking and disembarking of pilots.

These pilot launches are equipped with state of the art machinery and equipment developed for this type of launches worldwide, which are of proven type with high dependability, durability and suitability for the intended purpose.

Colombo Dockyard operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Ltd of Japan, who owns a stake of 51 percent of the firm, while Sri Lankan government institutions have a 35 percent shareholding.

As a local venture, Colombo Dockyard generates a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and currently employees over 3,000 Sri Lankan engineers and technicians. The company also assists in developing the skills and technical know-how of the local workmen and helps save valuable foreign exchange.

As one of the leaders of the shipbuilding industry in Sri Lanka, Colombo Dockyard has continuously proved its excellence by successfully securing shipbuilding projects in local and overseas markets.