Kanoo and Prudential form strategic joint venture to elevate maritime excellence in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 06:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: MendisOne Group and Prudential Shipping Chairman Rohitha Mendis, Kanoo Prudential Shipping Managing Director Rishantha Mendis Rishantha Mendis, Fawzi Kanoo, Fahad Kanoo, and Kanoo Shipping CEO John Drinkwater

Kanoo Shipping, one of the oldest and most trusted maritime brands in the Middle East for the last 115 years, and Prudential Shipping, a leading Sri Lankan shipping agency with over 28 years of industry expertise, have joined forces to form Kanoo Prudential Shipping, a strategic joint venture set to revolutionise regional shipping services in Sri Lanka and beyond.

This partnership heralds a new era of operational excellence, expanded capabilities, and unparalleled customer service.

With a proud heritage spanning over a century, Kanoo Shipping has established itself as the largest regional ship service provider in the Middle East, operating extensively across Africa and South Asia. It offers comprehensive ship agency, logistics, and marine services to a diverse global clientele. Prudential Shipping, meanwhile, commands a strong reputation in Sri Lanka for reliability, efficiency, and personalised service in representing overseas principals and managing complex shipping and logistics operations.

Together, Kanoo Prudential Shipping will leverage their combined expertise, resources, and networks to deliver a broad spectrum of enhanced services in Sri Lanka, including:

Full ship agency representation; Port call management; Offshore and onshore logistics support; Crew change facilitation and husbandry services and Marine logistics and supply chain solutions.

The joint venture is committed to seamless operations and a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction. By uniting two trusted maritime leaders, Kanoo Prudential Shipping aims to set a new standard for world-class maritime solutions in Sri Lanka, while actively contributing to the growth and modernisation of the country’s shipping and logistics sector.

Kanoo Shipping CEO John Drinkwater said: “Through Kanoo Prudential Shipping, we are combining decades of maritime experience and operational strength to provide innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving demands of global shipping. Together with Prudential Shipping, we are committed to driving progress, sustainability, and excellence across the country’s maritime industry and the region.”

VP Finance – Shipping Retha Els said: “This joint venture is built on a shared commitment to service excellence. By integrating Kanoo’s extensive global network with Prudential’s deep local expertise, we are positioned to deliver reliable, efficient, and seamless maritime solutions that exceed customer expectations.”

Kanoo Prudential Shipping Managing Director Rishantha Mendis said: “This collaboration represents the coming together of two trusted brands with a shared vision for excellence in maritime services. We look forward to delivering enhanced value to our clients and creating new opportunities in the region.”

Kanoo Prudential Shipping is now fully operational and ready to serve vessels calling at all major Sri Lankan and Maldivian ports.