On 23rd May 2022, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) auspiciously launched “Misje Vita”, 5000DWT EcoBulk Carrier being built for Misje Eco Bulk AS, Norway (Misje).
Figure 1 – Misje Vita – 5000DWT Eco Bulk Carrier
The launching ceremony is the formal custom that celebrates transferring the vessel to water for the first time. As per the Sri Lankan traditions, this is done by breaking a ‘pot of milk’ over the ship’s bow area inviting good luck to the vessel, the crew and the owners and subsequently filling the dock with water making the vessel float.
The ceremony was graced by Mr. Roald Misje Chairman, Ms. Alina Printseva, Chief Financial Officer from Misje, Mr. Thusitha Herath and Mr. Venura Wanasainghe, Owner Representatives for the project, Mr. Saman Kumarasinghe, Class Surveyor of Class DNV GL. From CDPLC Mr. H. Tanaka Chairman, Mr. D.V. Abeysinghe MD/CEO, Mr. Iku Kuwaoka Technical Advisor/Alternate Director, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Lal Hettiarachchi General Manager (Supply Chain Management), Mr. Gihan Ravinatha General Manager (Finance)/ CFO, Mr. Mangala De Silva General Manager (Group Legal and Compliance), Mr. P.S. Abeysinghe Act. General Manager (Production), Mr. Manjula Hettiarachchie Act. General Manager (HRD&A)/ Management Representative and a host of other Senior Management and Staff representing CDPLC participated at this occasion. Ms. Alina Printseva performed the honour of cutting the rope to break the milk pot and launch the vessel.
Figure 2 – Cutting the Rope to symbolically Launch the Vessel
Figure 3 – Dignitaries presented at the Ceremony
This is the first Vessel of a series and these 89.95m long vessels are designed to hold a cargo capacity of 5000 DWT. The type of cargo they could carry includes bulk cargo, grain, timber, unit loads and containers. Each vessel is powered by 4 stroke diesel engines with an Electric Hybrid system supplying additional power through a battery storage system.
Figure 4 – Mr. Hideaki Tanaka – Chairman of CDPLC handing over the souvenir to Mr. Roald Misje – Chairman – Misje
This project illustrates CDPLC’s reputation in the European Market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality” receiving high recognition and acceptance in Europe market.
CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan with a 35% stake by Sri Lankan Government institutions. Expanding its business nearly five decades, CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialization as the leading contributors to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector.