This is another project showcasing CDPLC’s reputation in the European Market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality” receiving high recognition and acceptance in Europe market.
Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), the leader of Shipbuilding Industry in Sri Lanka and one of the most competitive Shipyards in South Asia, successfully launched a Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (C/S Sophie Germain) to Orange Marine France on 3rd November 2022 staying on course with its shipbuilding activities, resilient and undeterred by the challenges faced.
Orange Marine is a French company specializing in the field of submarine telecommunications, from the initial design, engineering, to installation of intercontinental and regional links, and maintenance of existing cables. The Orange Marine’s fleet is one of the most experienced in the world and represents 15% of the world fleet.
The ceremonial
launching took place at the Dock No 2 of CDPLC premises and the occasion was
graced by the participation of owners, dignitaries from Embassy of France in
Sri Lanka, Embassy
of Japan in Sri Lanka, officials from government institutions including SLN, EDB, SLPA, Customs, Officials from state and private banks, ship designers, Class surveyors, CDPLC top management and employees.
Mr. Didier Dillard CEO of Orange Marine cut the rope to mark the ship launching with the presence of Mr. Jean-Luc Vuillemin Executive Vice President International Networks, Mr. Emmanuel Decugis Ship Newbuilding Project Director and the superintendents of Orange Marine.
Mr. Katsuki Kotaro, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka and Mr. Aurélien Maillet Chargé d’affaires, a.i, Mr. Jean Alexander Egea – Head of the Economic Department, Economic Advisor, Mr.David Erdreich- Deputy Head of the Economic Department from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka represented the foreign missions.
From CDPLC Mr. Hideaki Tanaka Chairman, Mr. D.V. Abeysinghe MD/CEO, Mr. Nozaki Technical Advisor/ Alternate Director, Mr. Horibe Director, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura Chief Operating Officer and a host of other Senior Management and Staff representing CDPLC participated at this occasion.
Chief of Staff Rear Admiral UVMP Perera and Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral HGUD Kumara were also among the invitees representing Sri Lanka Navy.
Mrs. Indumini Kodikara Director (Export Services) of Export Development Board and Mr Keith
D. Bernard, Mr. Susantha Abeysiriwardena Addl. Managing Director (Technical), Capt. K. M. Nirmal P. Silva Harbour Master, Capt. Lakshi Wasantha DHM from Sri Lanka Port Authority, Mr. Ajith Seneviratne Director General of Merchant Shipping, Mr. Sivalingam Anandaeaswaran Additional Director,General of Sri Lanka customs and several top officials representing Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka were also present.
The basic design of this vessel was developed by Vard Design AS of Norway to be a highly eco- friendly vessel and Mr. Geir Rygg Berge Department Manager Project Engineering and Mr. Roy Arne Stavik SVP Sales hos VARD also joined the occasion representing Vard Design. Detailed design was carried out inhouse by the CDPLC design team.
This vessel is built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification society standards and regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority. Representing Bureau Veritas, surveyors Mr Prasanna Gunathilaka and Mr Chamila Yapa graced the occasion.
In the year
2019, CDPLC successfully built and delivered a 113m Cable Laying Vessel to
Japan and this will be the second Cable Repair and Laying vessel in the segment
and the first one from CDPLC to Europe. With the delivery of this vessel early
next year, CDPLC would earn the reputation in the international market
as a shipyard having delivered 02nos of cable ships within
a short span of 5 years.
Addressing the occasion, CDPLC Chairman Mr. Hideaki Tanaka expressed that “Today’s function is a good chance to show Colombo Dockyard’s presence to international market and also good chance to send the message that Colombo Dockyard will never give up under lot of difficulties faced by Sri Lanka and we will continue to be a leader of cable layer vessels in international market”.
This is another project showcasing CDPLC’s reputation in the European Market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality” receiving high recognition and acceptance in Europe market.
CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan with a 35% stake by Sri Lankan Government institutions. Expanding its business nearly five decades, CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization as the leading contributors to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector earning much needed foreign currency to the Sri Lankan economy.
