Sri Lanka will have three ports for the Indian Ocean region with Colombo, Hambantota and one to be built in the North under the ‘2015 Vision’ of the government, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told guests at the keel laying ceremony at the Colombo Dockyard last week to build the first cable laying vessel for a Japanese company.
The vessel to be built for Kokusai Cable Ship Co. Ltd. is the largest contract awarded to Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) which has built 243 vessel during its four decade operation in the country. This also marks the largest vessel in terms of length to be built by the company
The premier said that by developing the Colombo and the Hambantota ports there would be higher economic growth in the country which is now beginning to attract foreign companies and investors into various sectors.
‘There has to be more ships calling on and flights coming to the country to make it a hub in the Indian Ocean region. Those who were silent then are now making allegations that we are selling assets of the country.
We saved over USD 40 billion by entering into an agreement with China to revive the Hambantota port,” the premier said.
He said the key to drive economic growth is exports for which industrial zones in Hambantota, Kalutara, Trincomalee and from Kandy to Wellawaya will be set up. “The GSP Plus is a huge opportunity. However, only around 60 items that are being exported under the trade concession. The number of items exported will be increased to around 200,” the Premier said.
He said the country is being taken towards recording a higher growth rate. This require ports and ventures such as ship building will make a salient contribution to the economy. The contract awarded to CDPLC shows the confidence placed on Sri Lanka which has the capabilities to deliver.
“We took over a debt accumulated country. We have reduced the debt burden and by two to three years time it will be cleared of all debts fully,” the Prime Minister said.
CDPLC Managing Director/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe said that the company was awarded the contract for the cable laying vessel since it had the design for building the vessel.
“Dockyard will invest Rs. 200 million to expand operations. We have requested for more land from the government,” Abeysinghe said.
The current extent of the land which the Colombo Dockyard occupies is 11 hectares. The cost of constructing the cable laying vessels is around USD 53 million of which CDPLC will contribute 30 percent value addition. The vessels is intended for subsea operation and has a cable carrying capacity of 5,000 tons.
The vessels which is 11.3 meters in length, 21.5 meters in breadth, 8.80 metre depth and a load laying draught of 7.1 metres. It has a deadweight carrying capacity of 5,300 DWT and a planned average cruising speed of 14.5 knots with accommodation facilities for 80.
The vessel is due to be completed by March 2019.