Master Divers will open a regional office in Hambantota to meet the growing demands of the shipping industry, the company said in its press release. Chairman Master Divers, Ariyaseela Wickaramanayake said they will open a ship repair yard and a logistics centre. “We are hoping to invest around US $ 100 million for this project,”he said.
He said that today the shipping industry is growing which results in the ships needing more expertise and they have come forward to take this opportunity.
He said that the criticism on Hambantota harbour is mainly politically motivated. “One can clearly see the facts; Singapore and Dubai harbours are getting congested and shipping lines are looking at alternative ports. Since Hambantota is located in a major shipping route soon we will see more business to this southern Port.”
“I can say that the Hambantota harbour will be used mainly as a transshipment hub where large ships will unload their cargo for smaller ships to distribute them to other regional ports,”he said.
He said that when this process gets going there will be a major demand for ship related industries and Master Divers wants to be the main supplier for these needs. “We see the future and this is why we are investing.”
Master Divers which is an internationally acclaimed maritime company also hopes to issue ‘ship certifications’ for international ships which is similar to a health check.
He said that they have already obtained land for this project and youth training is in progress. “We are hoping to open this facility by the end of the year.” Wickramanayake said the project will provide over 100 direct employment opportunities. He said that two artificial islands are also being built at the harbour premises and they will also provide technical assistance for this historic project. “Our company was also involved in the ongoing Colombo Port City project providing the feasibility study for the project.
