CDL lures Maersk Line-owned Mv. Safmarine Ngami for dry-docking, lay up repairs

One of the biggest vessel operators globally with over 600 vessels places, A.P. Moller -Maersk repeated confidence in Colombo for repairs, when one of the latest container carriers in their fleet Safmarine Ngami (DWT: 35,119, LOA: 210.00 M, Beam: 29.80 M) called in for her first special survey repairs during January 2013.   The container carrier Safmarine Ngami called in for her first special survey and dry-docking repairs to Colombo on 18 January.  Colombo Dockyard was selected on the excellent repairs carried out on MV. Maersk Ronneby also owned by the same owners during February 2012 successfully.

The Colombo Dockyard was the best option for the owners/managers given the strategic location placing the vessel on the trading route, the vessel discharged her containers in the Port of Colombo and shifted directly into dry-docks for her lay-up repairs.  Colombo’s flexibility was evident when the vessel was accommodated in dry-dock on the same day of completion of cargo, one day ahead of the committed date.

The repairs were completed on schedule meeting owner’s requirements. During this dry-docking call the work package covered repairs in all sectors; Main job was blasting and painting of hull, as owners were highly concerned on the vessel’s speed and fuel consumption, which highly depends on the vessel’s hull condition.

As per job specification full blasting on flat bottom and vertical bottom areas were carried out.  The hull treatment team played a key role during this project and the initial paint coat was totally removed to apply the new scheme of paints.  The hull treatment team comprising of Rajawasan and Nishantha, were instrumental in completing the coating work within the time frame, even though there were weather interruptions during the vessel’s stay.  

The advanced coating type Hempel’s anti-fouling dynamic 79560, was used for the first time in Sri Lanka. Main Engine was of Man B&W 7L70ME-C, a camshaft-less engine, with full electronically controlled fuel injection, cylinder lubrication and exhaust v/v operation, illustrates the high sophistication of the vessel.   Bow thruster, Stern tube seal and ME turbocharger repairs were attended by OEMs, but well supported by yard team headed by D.S. Arangala.

Regular DD jobs such as overboard valves, sea valves, boiler mountings etc were also completed as per spec. Deck side, electrical and steel repairs were carried out by yard personal, well guided by the respective ship repair engineers Asanka, Munaweera and Thivanka. The owner’s interests were looked after by Fleet Superintendent Anand Chaudhari, Superintendent Suresh Verma and Technical Operations Fleet Group Manager Clyde Peres.  

The project team was headed by Ship Manager Samitha Silva who was well supported by all production departments to re-deliver the vessel on schedule.  

The owners were happy with the excellent facilities at their disposal coupled with the quality workmanship, professional approach to meet the owners requirements were highly appreciated.

The container carrier was accommodated in the 125,000 DWT dry-dock for her repair requirements and sailed out direct from the dry-dock’s to the loading berth in the port of Colombo.  The repairs were carried out meeting the class American Bureau of shipping society requirements.  Prudential Shipping Lines (PTE) Ltd. handled the local husbanding work smoothly.

Emergence of Colombo as hub for container traffic, places Colombo Dockyard as a serious candidate for many leading container carriers touching Colombo, for her repair requirements, dry-docking /afloat.

The maritime industry in Sri Lanka has seen rejuvenated activity with the recent developments and further increase in activity should be visible with the starting of the operation of Colombo South port by mid 2013.  Given these positive developments the main shipping lines are looking at Colombo/Sri Lanka as a serious destination for their dry-docking repairs and marine requirements.