CSC’s new ship “MV Ceylon Princess” keel laid
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Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) last week witnessed in China the ‘keel laying ceremony’ of its 2nd new break bulk vessel. CSC, Chairman Shashi Dhanatunge said the first vessel ‘Ceylon Breeze’ will be delivered by the end of this year while the second ‘Ceylon Princess” is expected to be delivered to Sri Lanka by the 2nd quarter of 2016.
According to a CSC media release, the ceremonies on July 17 also featured the signing of several mutual understandings and agreements between the shipbuilder AVIC International Beijing Company of China and CSC. These two Ultramax ships each weighing 63,000 metric tons that would be used to transport coal needed for the functioning of Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai, Puttalam are expected to save a huge amount of foreign currency that drain out of the country at present. Speaking at this event in the shipyard in China, Mr. Dhanatunga said the CSC has spent almost US$35 million per ship which will not only serve the purpose of carrying break bulk cargo but also provide maritime training to the country’s future mariners. Each ship is equipped with all modern utilities including facilities for such training for 25 engine and deck sea cadets at a time per ship.