Mercantile Shipping receives multi-purpose vessel

Mercantile Emerald Shipping (Private) Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Mercantile Shipping Company PLC, recently took charge of its new multi-purpose vessel MV "MERCS UVA" at the port of Delfzijl in The Netherlands.

A strong flavour of Sri Lankan tradition was brought to the unique ceremony when the oil lamp was lit by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Germany, Tikiri Bandara Maduwegedara, the members of the Management of Mercantile Shipping and of the Ship Yard, together with the Master of the new vessel Capt. Sujeewa Dasanayake.

General Manager of Mercantile Shipping, Stephan Kuehl said, "Bathed in beautiful summer sunshine under a deep blue sky, the vessel was named "MERCS UVA" by Mrs. Sujatha Wickramatilleka, wife of Ranjith Wickramatilleka, a longstanding Director of Mercantile Shipping. And in keeping with maritime tradition, with best wishes for always safe voyages!" The Sri Lankan flag was hoisted on the new vessel by Ambassador Maduwegedara. Managing Director Thomas Kriwat said that this was a great achievement for Mercantile Shipping as this is the first ever newly built ship for a private company in Sri Lanka and for the country's fleet the first new vessel in more than 25 years.

The project was made possible partly through a government to government grant from The Netherlands which was negotiated by Mercantile Shipping some six years ago. The 7,800 tdwt multi-purpose vessel, which took two years to build, will be employed internationally in worldwide markets, for which Mercantile Shipping has obtained a first class charter.

The decision to contract multi-purpose tonnage rather than other types of ships was made with a reason, as the multi-purpose and project market is less affected by market developments which the shipping industry is facing at present.

The MV "Mercs Uva" is the first of two sister vessels, the second one being scheduled for delivery in November this year.