Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), auspiciously laid keel and commenced construction of “N/C Sophie Germain”, newest Cable Laying and Repair Vessel of the Orange Marine (France) Fleet recently.
This event was graced and witnessed by Mr. Aurelien Malliet – Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d’affaires, Mr. Jean-Alexandre Egea – Economic Counsellor from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mr. Emmanuel Décugis Head of Fleet and Crew Department, Mr. Edouard Chretien and Mr. Adrien De Cezac superintendents representing Orange Marine, Mr. Chamila Yapa – Surveyor in Charge Bureau Veritas and from CDPLC Mr. H. Tanaka Chairman, Mr. D.V. Abeysinghe MD/CEO, Mr. S. Asai Technical Advisor/ Alternate Director, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura General Manager (Production), Mr. Lal Hettiarachchi General Manager (Projects and Engineering) and a host of other Senior Management and Staff representing CDPLC participated at this event. The event was conducted in strict compliance with health guidelines.
(Group Photo taken at the Keel Laying event)
The vessel is a modern, high technology vessel which is specially designed by VARD Design AS Norway and will be equipped for sub-sea cable lay and repair operation duties with a high focus on good sea keeping qualities, excellent station keeping performance and low fuel consumption. This 100m vessel with a deadweight capacity of 1800 DWT shall carry out cable operations, including laying, repair and ROV inspection. N/C Sophie Germain shall be built to Bureau Veritas classification society standards and shall meet the regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority and she is scheduled to be delivered early 2023.
As the leader of Shipbuilding Industry in Sri Lanka and one of the most competitive Shipyards in South Asia, CDPLC secured the contract to build this Cable Laying and Repair Vessel showcasing the brand presence in European Shipbuilding Market and also Cable Laying Construction Market in the world.
Orange Marine is a French company, fully owned subsidiary of Orange Group, specializing in the field of submarine telecommunications, from the initial design, engineering, to installation of intercontinental and regional links, and maintenance of existing cables. The Orange Marine’s fleet is one of the most experienced in the world and represents 15% of the world fleet.
CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan who owns a stake of 51% at Colombo Dockyard PLC. CDPLC also has a 35% shareholding by the Sri Lankan Government institutions
