Neil Marine sets yet another milestone :

Launches first floating restaurant

Indunil hewage

Neil Marine pioneers in fibreglass boat industry for the past 42 years continues to innovate its product line by offering customers built vessels that cater to a wide range of industries and operations. In December 2011 Neil Marine set yet another milestone on this innovative drive by launching Sri Lanka's first floating restaurant for Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. The grand launching of the vessel took place on the 19th of December 2011 and was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa & Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa along with the Chairman of John Keelles Group Susantha Ratnayake, and Neil Fernando, Chairman of Neil Marine was also present at the maiden trip at Beira Lake.

The vessel was designed and built completely by Neil Marine and its subsidiaries Penthouse Engineers and Penthouse Interiors who were involved in the steel fabrication and timber finish. The interior designing was done by Nayantara Fonseka.

With a length of 70 ft and a width of 30 ft, each floor of this two storied creation carries a total area of 4,200 sq. ft and a displacement of 55 tons.

The restaurant is capable of catering to over 100 guests at any given time and self-sufficient with a fully equipped kitchen, two toilets and all other amenities. The elegance of the teak flooring and panelling adds glamour to the whole concept.

The lower deck is fully air conditioned and provides a luxurious and cozy atmosphere, the upper deck is fitted with a fully equipped bar and seating area, the highlight of this area is specially designed with a transparent roof that creates a sense of openness but at the same time shelters the guests.

The vessel is built on a tri-hull configuration to create the necessary stability and ensure the highest comfort levels in any weather conditions, as this was one of the core requirements of the project.

The restaurant is totally independent from land and has its own power generation through a 75kw marine generator; in addition the vessel carries its own grey water and waste water system, thus ensuring the lake is not polluted in any manner during the operation. Mobility is provided through twin 40hp Suzuki outboard motors assisted by bow and stern thrusters for easy maneuvering.

This project was a technical challenge unlike conventional boat building methods due to the size of the vessel and logistical problems posed by the location of the operation, 80% of the vessel had to be constructed in the water, this was a difficult task and required extensive planning and modular construction methods similar to ship building. Combining its vast experience in boat building for the export market and highly skilled workforce Neil Marine was able to undertake such a project and take it from the drawing board to a reality at a very short period.

“It is truly a result of our talented and skilled team at Neil Marine who were able to make such things happen,” said Neil Fernando.

Neil Marine has been a pioneer in the industry for over 42 years and continues to expand the local boat building industry, “we have had many positive responses from the tourism and leisure industry and we hope in the next few months to introduce many more specialized vessels to cater to this booming sector,” Fernando said.