Colombo Dockyard, a quality shipbuilder in the region

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Colombo Dockyard PLC is gaining a name in the region as a builder of efficient, economic and environment-friendly passenger vessels. These are definitely encouraging signs and provide the impetus to strive for bigger things in the years to come, Colombo Dockyard PLC Chairman Ahihiko Nakauch said.

Colombo Dockyard celebrates 20 years of operations in Sri Lanka this year. The company was set up in 1993 as a collaborative partnership with Onomichi Dockyard of Japan.

Colombo Dockyard has created a strong brand for ship repairs as a reliable service provider and is known for quality workmanship and fast turnaround. The company has carved out a niche in the market, where it has been successful and the market is aware of the quality of vessels delivered by Colombo Dockyard.

Nakauch said, "While gaining a deeper understanding of the business perspective, in the future we will continue to further develop bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Japan and work towards nurturing sustainable long-term relationships.

"The company has showcased its ship repair and shipbuilding capabilities on an expanding international landscape. Our prudent approach has deservedly earned us the reputation as a consistent, high quality maritime solutions provider.

"In the recent past, we have been successful in carving out certain niche markets. Our expertise is highly sought after across the globe, particularly in the manufacture of sophisticated offshore vessels", Nakauch said.

Colombo Dockyard PLC MD/CEO Mangala P.B. Yapa said from the fledgling operation that commenced in 1974, Colombo Dockyard has grown to be a dynamic organisation, an indestructible force in the forefront of Sri Lanka's economic development and a source of national pride.

Colombo Dockyard, located inside the port, occupying 25 acres of land, providing employment to over 3,000 workers, generates almost two percent of the country's total export revenue.