On the 28th of July 2023, Colombo Dockyard PLC made history by delivering the first-ever Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (CLRV) to the European market from Sri Lanka. Our client Orange Marine, a prominent French company, is a specialist in submarine telecommunications. They excel in every aspect of this field, including initial design, engineering, installation of intercontinental and regional links, as well as the maintenance of existing cables. Their fleet is widely recognized for its expertise and is considered one of the most experienced in the world, representing an impressive 15% of the global fleet in this sector.
Colombo Dockyard delivered the first Cable Layer (CLV) to Japan in 2019. Now, with the delivery of “C/S Sophie Germain,” this becomes the second vessel of its category delivered by the shipyard. This remarkable accomplishment establishes Colombo Dockyard as a leading player in the international market, earning a reputation for successfully delivering two Cable Layer vessels within a short span of just five years.
The ceremonial delivery of “C/S Sophie Germain” took place at Dock No 4 south pier of CDPLC premises, and was attended by owners, dignitaries from the Embassies of France and Japan in Sri Lanka, officials from government institutions including BOI,EDB,SLPA and Sri Lanka Navy, Merchant Shipping, state and private banks, Class surveyors, CDPLC top management, and employees.
During the ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel Decugis, the Ship Newbuilding Project Director of Orange Marine, broke the traditional Sri Lankan milk pot to symbolize the delivery of the ship. He also received the ship model on behalf of Orange Marine. The event was further attended by representatives from Orange Marine, including superintendents and the ship’s crew, making it a significant moment for the company.
HE. Mr. Jean-François Pactet French Ambassador of Sri Lanka, HE Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki Japan Ambassador of Sri Lanka , Mr. Murakami first secretary of Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Jean Alexander Egea – Head of the Economic Department and Economic Advisor and Coordinating attaché Ms.Imali Akarawita from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka represented the foreign missions.
From CDPLC Mr. Hideaki Tanaka Chairman, Mr. Thimira Godakumbura MD/CEO, Mr. Nozaki Technical Advisor/ Alternate Director and a host of other Senior Management and Staff participated at this occasion. “C/S Sophie Germain” is a state-of-the-art, high-technology vessel, specifically designed and equipped for sub-sea cable laying and repair operations.
The vessel was designed by Vard Design AS of NorwayThe detailed design work was carried out in-house by Colombo Dockyard’s skilled design team.
The vessel is 100m in length with a beam of 18.8m and a Depth of 7.15m and shall have a deadweight capacity of 1800 DWT. The vessel can achieve an impressive speed of 14.5 knots and has accommodation facilities for 76 persons. The vessel has three cable tanks to carry fiber optic and power cables. One of the three tanks is fitted with a Carousel system. This vessel is built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification society standards and regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority.
In his address during the occasion, CDPLC Chairman Mr. Hideaki Tanaka acknowledged the challenges faced due to the financial crisis in Sri Lanka, leading to the cancellation of significant projects and the risk of losing their standing in the international market. However, he expressed great satisfaction in the achievement of delivering “C/S Sophie Germain,” which serves as a powerful message to the international market. It demonstrates that Colombo Dockyard is coming back stronger and more resilient than ever, positioning itself as a tough and capable shipyard in the global arena.
CDPLC operating in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited of Japan continuously showing its presence to the international market and contributes heavily to the National Export earnings from the Shipbuilding sector with much needed foreign currency to the Sri Lankan economy.
This project will be instrumental in showcasing CDPLC’s reputation in the European Market with the brand “Built in Sri Lanka blending Sri Lankan technology with Japanese quality.”
