Hongkong Jihang Shipping expands regional network with maiden Colombo call of MV JI ZHE 6

The owners, representatives, the management of Ocean Lanka Lines Ltd., and CICT with the MV JI ZHE 6 

Text and pix by P. D. De Silva

Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd., has expanded its regional service network with the maiden call of MV JI ZHE 6 at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), marking the company’s official entry into the Sri Lankan market and strengthening connectivity between Colombo and key Asian and Red Sea trade corridors.

Headquartered in Ningbo, China, Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd., is a vessel-owning carrier operating services across China, India, Chittagong, Malaysia and the Red Sea region. The addition of Colombo to its network is expected to enhance regional trade connectivity while creating new opportunities for both local and transhipment cargo through Sri Lanka’s leading maritime gateway.

To commemorate the vessel’s inaugural call, a plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard

MV JI ZHE 6 in the presence of senior representatives from Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd., Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), and Ocean Lanka Lines Ltd., (OCL), a subsidiary of ILM Holdings Ltd., and the carrier’s appointed agent in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event, the owners’ representative stated that Hongkong Jihang Shipping had received interest from several established organisations within Sri Lanka’s shipping industry for the agency appointment before selecting Ocean Lanka Lines as its preferred local representative.

“Following detailed discussions and evaluation, we were pleased to appoint Ocean Lanka Lines as our agent in Sri Lanka. From the beginning of our engagement, the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by Chairman Hadley Rodrigo provided us with confidence in their ability to represent our interests and support our long-term growth plans in the country,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contribution of OCL Operations and Marketing Director Tressel Silva, highlighting his extensive industry experience and strong professional relationships within Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

“The combination of market knowledge, operational capability and industry relationships demonstrated by the Ocean Lanka Lines management team played an important role in our decision. We believe they are well positioned to support the development of our services and cargo volumes through Colombo,” he added.

Commenting on the appointment, Ocean Lanka Lines Chairman Hadley Rodrigo thanked Hongkong Jihang Shipping for the confidence placed in the company. “We are honoured to be entrusted with the representation of Hongkong Jihang Shipping in Sri Lanka. Colombo remains one of the most strategically positioned transhipment hubs in the region, and we are committed to supporting the carrier’s expansion and commercial objectives through professional agency services and market development initiatives,” he said.

OCL Director Tressel Silva noted that the partnership would create opportunities to develop both local and transhipment cargo through Colombo.

“Hongkong Jihang Shipping’s network provides valuable connectivity between Sri Lanka and key regional markets. Our team is fully prepared to support regular vessel calls and work closely with CICT, feeder operators, mainline carriers, container depots and logistics stakeholders to facilitate efficient vessel operations and cargo movement,” he said.

Tressel further noted that Ocean Lanka Lines would focus on developing both Sri Lankan import-export cargo and transhipment volumes moving through Colombo to destinations including the Red Sea and other regional markets.

Industry stakeholders view the introduction of Hongkong Jihang Shipping’s Colombo service as a positive development for the Port of Colombo, further diversifying carrier participation and strengthening the port’s role as a regional transhipment and logistics hub.

The maiden call of MV JI ZHE 2 represents the beginning of a strategic partnership between Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd., Ocean Lanka Lines Ltd., and CICT, supporting enhanced regional connectivity and reinforcing Colombo’s position within the evolving shipping landscape in Asia.