Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) said work related to its new break bulk vessel, under construction in a Chinese shipyard is nearing completion. 

Dr. Dan Malika Gunasekera, Executive Director of Ceylon Shipping Corporation speaking on the present use of experts stationed in the shipyard in China said the team includes technical and marine engineering representatives appointed by CSC in addition to the engineers of the main engine manufacturer, surveyors of DNV-GL, experts of MAN-B&W as well as the Technical Manager of CSC Sandya Lal Rajapakse. 

Another important milestone was also reached in its construction process as the ‘shop test’ of the main engine was successfully completed in its manufacturer’s workshop in Jiansu. 

Reportedly, all quality control inspections have been carried out successfully by the team attending to the ‘shop test’ of the main engine during the said installation while the official final report is pending to be received by CSC for its careful evaluation. 

Dr. Gunasekera said that the present task is based on the tri-partite agreement between CSC, MAN B&W, and JAD (Engineering Manufacturer), and all necessary means in meeting the electrical, mechanical and technical competencies have well been met according to the IMO regulations and of the Class. 
He further mentioned that the demand for break bulk ships in international shipping has grown over the past few years where international indexes have reported an increase of over 21 dry bulk tonnage categories in the net sentiment by May 2015: show positive signs of trade growth in chartering business once this vessel along with the other, ‘MV Ceylon Princess’ reach the coasts of Sri Lanka. 

Both these ships are expected to fulfill the nation’s energy security by commissioning them in the transportation of coal for Ceylon Electricity Board’s presently operating power station at Norochcholai and the proposed one at Sampur. 

The Executive Director also said the two vessels will be chartered-out in the international shipping business to bring in more foreign exchange to the country while providing maritime training to many future seafarers who are eager to take to the sea having studied various programmes at leading institutions such as Colombo Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC), University of Moratuwa, MERCMARINE and the like. 

When questioned whether these two vessels are competent to sail in highly regularized marine environments in the United States and Europe, Dr. Gunasekera was confident that they are highly equipped to meet all necessary means thus applying the most modern oils and lubricants that fall under the US and EU directives. 

“While we search for the best suitable and qualified seafarers to run these ships under CSC’s control, we are also interested in forming joint ventures with appropriate entities in certain areas of operation. As ship operation and management are sophisticated functions at present, CSC is confident in acquiring these services from the industry’s best experts as a passion towards lifting the national sea career,” he concluded.