The Pilot Launch is designed to hold a high degree of stability and comfort in all weather conditions and the Pilot Launch will provide a stable platform during embarking and disembarking Pilots.
On 6th November 2019, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) laid the keel to auspiciously commence shipbuilding work on the third Pilot Launch for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), the Colombo Dockyard said in a press statement.
This keel laying ceremony marked the commencement of hull construction work of the Pilot Launch and the auspicious occasion was graced by Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Ports & Shipping and Southern Development, Admiral S.S. Ranasinghe, Secretary of Ministry of Ports & Shipping and Southern Development, Mr. Ajith Seneviratne Director General Department of Merchant Shipping, Captain Athula Hewavitharana Managing Director SLPA, Mr. Jagath Kumara, Senior Surveyor, Class LR and several other distinguished guests from SLPA.
Mr. T. Nakabe, President of Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd of Japan, Mr. H. Tanaka Chairman CDPLC, Mr. D.V. Abeysinghe MD/CEO CDPLC, Mr. K. Kanaya Director CDPLC, Mr. Yusihiro Saki Technical Advisor/CDPLC, Mr. Benny Fernando, Chief Operating Officer CDPLC and a host of other Senior Management and Staff representing Colombo Dockyard participated at this momentous occasion.
The 19m Pilot Launch is a proven design developed by MACDUFF of Scotland. The Pilot Launch will serve to transport pilots from shore to ship. The Pilot Launch can accommodate a total number of 8 persons including 4 crew members and 4 pilots and it can achieve a service speed around 22 knots.
The Pilot Launch is designed to hold a high degree of stability and comfort in all weather conditions and the Pilot Launch will provide a stable platform during embarking and disembarking Pilots. The Pilot Launch shall be equipped with state of the art machinery and equipment developed for this type of launch world-wide, which are of proven type with high dependability, durability and suitability for the intended purpose.
By building the Pilot Launch requirement in Sri Lanka, SLPA helps develop the economy of the country by developing the local shipbuilding industry. The local ventures such as CDPLC generate large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and develop the skills and technical knowhow of the local workmen and help save on valuable foreign exchange.
CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan who owns a stake of 51% at Colombo Dockyard PLC while Sri Lankan Government institutions have a 35% shareholding at Colombo Dockyard.
As the leader of Shipbuilding Industry in Sri Lanka, CDPLC continuously proves its excellence by successfully securing shipbuilding projects both local and worldwide.
CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization and is one of the main contributors to the Government’s National Export Strategy from the Shipbuilding sector.
