EML Colombo appointed exclusive agent in Sri Lanka for Mariana Express Lines

Eastern Maritime (Colombo) Ltd., (EML Colombo) has been appointed as the exclusive agent in Sri Lanka for Mariana Express Lines (MELL), a subsidiary of Pacific International Lines (PIL). 

This strategic partnership between EML Colombo and MELL further enhances Sri Lanka’s connectivity to Oceania and the Pacific Islands, and strengthens direct access for Sri Lankan exporters to the economically promising market.

This appointment reinforces MELL’s continued growth and commitment to strengthening its presence in the region. With a dedicated agency, MELL is positioned closer to customers, enhancing its ability to provide more efficient and reliable shipping and logistics solutions tailored to local needs.

MELL and EML Colombo will now have the unique advantage of offering exporters direct shipping access to a comprehensive network of ports in Oceania and the Pacific Islands: Australia: Darwin, Townsville; Fiji: Lautoka, Suva; Guam; Marshall Islands: Ebeye, Majuro; Micronesia: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap; Northern Mariana Islands: Saipan; Palau: Koror; Papua New Guinea: Lae, Port Moresby; Solomon Islands: Honiara and Timor-Leste: Dili. EML Colombo Managing Director Sriyal Dissanayake said:  “We are absolutely thrilled to grow our offerings with Mariana Express Lines. This partnership is more than an expansion — it’s a strategic leap. For over 45 years, we’ve built a reputation for dependable service. As we welcome MELL into our portfolio, we’re now opening new doors for Sri Lankan exporters to tap into emerging markets across the Pacific.”

This collaboration also enables the companies to tap into in the growing project cargo sector in the Pacific. With MELL’s specialisation in handling special equipment and providing customised supply chain solutions, Sri Lankan exporters are now better positioned to support infrastructure and development projects across the region.

The partnership is expected to catalyse trade diversification for Sri Lankan businesses, offering reliable, efficient, and tailored shipping solutions to a region increasingly vital to the Asia-Pacific trade dynamics.

Founded in 1997, Mariana Express Lines (MELL) is a container liner operator headquartered in Singapore.  Focusing on niche routes in the Asia-Pacific region, MELL strives to provide shippers and consignees with services that have regular sailing schedules and quick transit times.  Using Hong Kong and Kaohsiung as hubs, MELL currently carries containers between China, South-Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and islands in the Pacific. By providing fully integrated logistics and containerised transportation services, MELL is well respected in the industry for her customer-centric, personalised approach and is dedicated to serving the local communities.

Established in 1980, Eastern Maritime (Colombo) Ltd. (EML Colombo) celebrated 45 years of maritime excellence in 2025. As a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s shipping landscape, EML Colombo has long served as the dedicated agent for Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd., (PIL), Singapore—a testament to its enduring reliability and expertise. This enduring partnership has positioned EML as a reliable conduit between Sri Lanka and major global markets, including Oceania, the Red Sea, Africa, South America, India, the Middle East, South East Asia and China. EML Colombo’s strength lies in its seasoned team of professionals and its deep-rooted relationships with all stakeholders in the maritime industry. These connections enable the company to deliver seamless, end-to-end cargo solutions—from standard containers to bulk, project, and specialised shipments.