Reconstruction and building of large scale ships and other maritime vessels inside the Colombo Port have recorded a tremendous increase during the first 11 months of the year, it is reported.

Colombo Dockyard Limited (CDL), which had repaired 125 numbers of various vessels during the corresponding period in 2006 has upped this number by 22 in 2007, marking a 25.6% increase.

CDL has repaired 39 general cargo vessels, 31 fishing trawlers, 5 dredgers, 20 tugboats, 6 passenger vessels, 14 container vessels and 4 cement carriers, belonging to private and public concerns of India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, SIngapore, Greece, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands and Thailand.

The Port of Colombo meanwhile has recorded a growth of 48.4% in receiving vessels for repairs and construction, water and food as well as bunkering.

Ship repair and construction is an area that is expected to expand once the Hambantota Port Project is completed.
(DN 31122007)