The newly built second bulk vessel of Ceylon Shipping Corporation named "Mv. Ceylon Princess", which was constructed at AVIC International shipyard at Wehai, China was delivered on 23rd of June in the presence of a distinguished gathering led by chairman, Shashi Dhanatunge and Nishantha Muthuhettigama, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping. This vessel was built alongside its sister ship Mv. Ceylon Breeze, which was delivered early this year on January 20 having almost same specifications. The vessel is 199.813 meters long, 32.251 meters wide and has the carrying capacity of 63,212 Metric Tons, the company said in its press release.
Among the other participants at this ceremonial occasion, S.L. Rajapakse, the Technical Manager of CSC represented the owners while Mrs. Chen Xiaohong, the Vice President of AVIC International Beijing Company, and other higher officials of the Shipyard joined to grace the handing over of the ship to the owner, CSC. Primarily, these two newly built ships will be deployed to carry coal for the Puttlam Lakvijaya Power Station, with its specially designed additional deck providing training opportunities for national trainee-Cadets who undergo their academic studies on shore in the island. This would enable the providing of much needed mandatory training for Sri Lankan marine cadets. As the coal transportation is carried out only during a six-month window due to Monsoon period from May to August each year, these two vessels are expected to be deployed in the open International Charter Market at competitive rates to raise an additional revenue for the country’s much needed foreign exchange earnings. This would also enable CSC to service the loans obtained in securing these two great national assets.
Due to the volatile market situation for containerized cargo, and expanding demand for bulk cargo vessels forecasted for the future considering the market trends, CSC is looking at expanding its bulk fleet along with other new shore-based business ventures that will soon become a reality in order to sustain in the industry as a modern shipping entity in the world.