Aitken Spence facilitates luxury cruise ship MS Europa call on two ports in Sri Lanka

The luxury cruise ship ‘MS Europa 2’, owned by German operator Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten Hamburg, recently called on the Ports of Hambantota and Colombo from 5 to 8 June with 309 passengers and 356 crew onboard. 

Aitken Spence Maritime is the agent in Sri Lanka for Hapag-Lloyd which is one of the largest container shipping lines in the world. MS Europa and MS Europa 2 are the only cruise ships in the world classified with five-star rating by the legendary Berlitz Cruise Guide. MS Europa 2 is regarded as the new jewel of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet.

MS Europa 2 offers the highest level of casual luxury with a maximum of 500 guests. All passenger suites are equipped with their own veranda and at least 28 square meters of living space to ensure ample space per passenger. 

The ship is one of the most spacious cruise ships on the market and is intended for the luxury cruise segment of the German market. Every year MS Europa 2 sets sail on its journey around the world to visit ports that are unreachable by other ships due to its size. To commemorate her call a ceremony was held at the Port of Colombo on 7 June. 

“We are extremely delighted that Aitken Spence Maritime facilitated the first cruise ship to call on two ports of Sri Lanka after the unfortunate incidents that took place in April 2019. It is also encouraging for the team to see their efforts materialise and with the Group’s active involvement in the leisure industry, the company will continue to offer comprehensive synergised services to cruise operators,” said Aitken Spence Maritime Managing Director Iqram Cuttilan.  

“Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten having made frequent calls to Trincomalee, Hambantota, Galle and Colombo will also include their ships in its schedule for 2019/20. In fact, Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten has selected Sri Lankan Ports as the beginning and end of their voyages, enabling passengers to embark and disembark in Sri Lanka,” said Hapag-Lloyd Lanka Assistant Vice President Lalith Witanachchi.

Hapag-Lloyd’s local agent, Aitken Spence Maritime, is a pioneer in the industry and was the first in Sri Lanka to undertake port efficiency enhancement management overseas with its entry into the African Continent and subsequently the South Pacific Islands. 

The company handles all areas of maritime services – from ship agents and cargo handlers, to liner agency, cruise vessel, port management and development, chartering services and maritime education.