SeaGulf UK to invest in boat-building
Sri Lanka needs to improve facilities related to ship-building and
ship repairs. This industry has a huge demand locally and
internationally and competent players have wide prospects, said Managing
Director, SeaGulf UK (Pvt) Ltd, Dr. Sarath M.B. Obeysekera.
The company provides services in the areas of yacht and pleasure
craft building and repair, ship building and repair.
Seagulf UK (Pvt) Ltd hopes to invest in projects to build fishing
boats, yachts and pleasure craft combined with a ship repair facility
for small and medium scale fishing boats and other vessels plying in the
Indian Ocean.
Small scale ship-building and fibre glass boat repair facility will
augment the proposals with future plans to supply oil and other needs
for ships.
 Inadequate facilities in the local industry have compelled global
customers to seek services from countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal.
Sri Lanka could attract a major volume of this business if we set up
more boat- building and repair facilities in the country, he said.
"I have launched ship repair operations in Beruwala using marine
rubber rollers to haul ships out of water to land unlike at the Mutwal
Fishery Harbour (in Modera) where ships are repaired in a floating
condition. I also have obtained a plot of land in the Galle Harbour and
awaiting funds from investors from Saudi Arabia," Dr. Obeysekera said.
Seagulf UK (Pvt) Ltd has carried out a detailed study and a proposal
was made to the Government to permit investment in the Mutwal Fisheries
Harbour to carry out urgent repairs to fishing boats, yachts and
pleasure craft.
During the meeting with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister,
a decision was taken to a prepare a conceptual proposal after visiting
the Mutwal Harbour and holding discussions with stakeholders. An
investor has secured funds for detailed engineering study of the
project.
A suitable boat lifting facility using Sincrolift technology will be
installed in the Mutwal Harbour considering the limitation for space on
land and in the waterfront. By using a Sincrolift, boats hauled on to
the land and repairs can be conducted simultaneously to increase
turnover.
The project promoter and management company will formulate, implement
and manage a state-of-the-art marine repair and construction venture.
The Group will support technology transfer and local employment
generation at all skill levels.
It is estimated that over 100 direct and over 300 indirect employment
opportunities will be generated through this venture.
- SJ
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