Onomichi Dockyard MD visits HIP to seal partnership

From left: GM Ship Repair Business S.G. Senadheera, Tech Advisor Nozaki, Director Furukawa, Onomichi Dockyard MD K. Kobatake, CDPLC MD/CEO Thimira S. Godakumbura, HIPG CEO Johnson Liu, HIPS CEO Captain Ravi Jayawickreme, HIPG GM Commercial and Marketing Lance Zuo, HIPG DGM Commercial and Marketing Bindu Ranasinghe, CDPLC Consultant Ship Repair Business Benny Fernando and HIPG AGM Port Investment Services Lalith Ekanayake 

Onomichi Dockyard Company Japan Managing Director and Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) Director Kunio Kobatake recently visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP). 

This visit follows a newly signed agreement between CDPLC and Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) to construct a state-of-the-art ship repair workshop at the port.

CM Group Sri Lanka Chief Representative and HIPG CEO Johnson Liu emphasised the strategic advantage of the HIP’s location.

“HIP’s position along the east-west routes of the Indian Ocean makes it an ideal site for developing and expanding ship repair services. The capacity to handle large volumes of repair work combined with CDPLC’s expertise will make this partnership a vital part of the port’s operations.”

CDPLC is investing approximately US $ 1 million in a new afloat repair facility, strengthening its presence at the HIP.  CDPLC Managing Director Thimira S. Godakumbura said, “Our collaboration with the HIP has been mutually beneficial. The port’s facilities allow us to offer advanced afloat repair services to a wide range of ships, including some of the largest ocean-going vessels. Our combined expertise, the port’s multipurpose capabilities and experienced staff bode well for the future of our extended partnership. We anticipate a significant increase in business with the new state-of-the-art facility, ensuring that the HIP becomes the premier destination for afloat repairs in the Indian Ocean region.” 

CEO Johnson Liu added, “The new ship repair workshop will enhance our current services, further advancing the HIP’s evolution into a fully multipurpose port.”

During his visit, Kobatake inspected the site for the new afloat repair facility and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential benefits for both parties. He was accompanied by CDPLC Director Furukawa, Tech Advisor Nozaki, GM Ship Repair Services S.G. Senadheera and Consultant Benny Fernando.