Harbourmaster says port development will give ship chandlers new opportunities

Massive port development projects now underway will see an upsurge of shipping into the country giving ship chandlers many new opportunities which they must be ready to exploit, Capt. Ravi Jayawickrema, the Harbourmaster, told the recent AGM of the Ship Suppliers Association of Sri Lanka.

The success of a port depended not only on the infrastructure facilities it afforded but also the completeness of the ancillary services offered. This included availability of quality ship repairing facilities, ship provisioning services, spares, reasonably priced bunkers, easy crew transfers and bonding facilities amongst others, he explained.

 The availability of such services alone is not enough. In addition to availability, the quality of services should also be of the highest standard at competitive rates. To achieve this, the Ship Suppliers Association should be strong and united to ensure that its membership adheres to international norms.

The association needs to have a healthy dialogue with the other stakeholders in the shipping industry to ensure its presence is felt.           

Jayawickrema said the Hambantota port project is now in progress and when it becomes operative the ship chandlers will have a better future.

It was his opinion that ship chandling has grown in this country as an industry, but some of the chandlers who obtain licenses are using them for other purposes. He appealed

That they did not misuse the licenses and to ensure that the items delivered on board are of high quality.

He assured that he will give his fullest co-operation to develop the trade and help the members of the association whenever they need his assistance.

Mr. M Hussain Mohamed of Mohideen Ship Chandlers Ltd and Mr. Mahinda Bandara of Oceaneeds (Pvt) Ltd were appointed as chairman and vice chairman respectively of the association.

Mr. Eric Cooray of M/s Air Inn Hansa Marine Enterprises Ltd was unanimously appointed as the board secretary.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs Devika Wijesuriya. She appealed to the members to join hands to get their association, like the Ceylon Association of Steamer Agents, recognized by all government departments.