Maersk Line signs MoU with SLPA/JCT
GAYAN KANCHANA
Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping line entered into
a MOU with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Jaya Container
Terminals (JCT) last week in Colombo.
Under this MOU, Danish carrier, Maersk Line's FM-3 service will be
calling at SLPA/JCT from September 1, on a weekly basis expecting more
than 400 moves per vessel.
SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath B.Wickrama said "The efficiency and the
increased productivity demonstrated by the JCT staff at all levels who
worked with dedication and understanding to improve service levels even
in this global economic downturn, has been clearly evidenced by the
Maersk Line's decision to patronize JCT.
In terms of machinery and other resources, the SLPA is well equipped
to handle the world's largest existing and planned container vessels and
deliver unsurpassed standards of service and productivity to our
customers," he said.
Maersk Lanka (Pvt) Limited Country Manager and General
Manager-Commercial Amal Rodrigo said "This is a great opportunity for
Maersk Line. After three years we again join the SLPA/JCT because at
present we realize that the efficiency and productivity of JCT has
increased and expanded so we can gain new experiences working with SLPA
and JCT under this environment," he said.
SLPA Managing Director, Capt. Nihal Kappetipola said, "We are
building a robust foundation for an everlasting business relationship
with our clientele with SLPA and the investment we are making in
information communication technology will mean better service for our
valued customers, greater efficiency in the yard and increased
productivity.
The return of the Maersk Line to JCT follows the attraction of APL at
the beginning of 2009 and I appreciate the decision of the carrier to
regard JCT as important in securing comprehensive port coverage in the
region. I believe this will increase the value proposition of the Maersk
Line's service offering in South Asia," he said.
Ports Development Minister Dilan Perera said, "This is a historic
moment because Maersk Line again joined JCT. SLPA is now in a huge
campaign to attract new shipping lines and this MoU is one of the
successful steps of that campaign.
The Minister of Ports and Aviation Chamal Rajapaksa always encourages
us to sign agreements and join different parities such as Maersk Line."
The return of the Maersk Line to the SLPA/JCT is a clear endorsement
by the liner community, of the current development landscape in SLPA,
undertaken by the present regime under the directives of Minister of
Ports and Aviation Chamal Rajapaksa.
The Colombo Port Expansion Project, the biggest ever infrastructure
development project undertaken by SLPA, will facilitate the increasing
demand for the container traffic in the region, and the Hambantota Port
currently taking shape, capitalizing on the local advantage of its
closeness to the main East West shipping route, has largely contributed
towards customer attraction.
The maiden call of the FM-3 service that provides weekly calls on
SLPA/JCT every Tuesday will be on September 1 and the service follows a
port rotation of Jawaharlal Nehru - Port Qasim - Colombo - Singapore -
Hong Kong - Kwangyang - Busan - Hakata. |