Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Monday, 2 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| ILM Shipping Chief Executive Officer Tressel de Silva |
By P. D.De Silva
Sri Lanka has steadily emerged as a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region, offering shipowners and vessel managers a strong combination of strategic location, technical expertise, and cost-effective vessel repair solutions.
At the forefront of this progress, ILM Shipping continues to actively promote Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for vessel repairs, maintenance, and marine support services across all major ports.
As a part of these efforts, several leading shipowners have recently been encouraged to call at Sri Lankan ports, with vessels successfully docking at Colombo and Hambantota.
Speaking to this publication, ILM Shipping Chief Executive Officer Tressel de Silva said that Sri Lanka’s positioning along one of the world’s busiest East–West shipping lanes provides unmatched accessibility for vessels trading between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Nearly two-thirds of global maritime traffic passes close to Sri Lankan waters, making ports such as Colombo, Hambantota, Galle, and Trincomalee ideal locations for both scheduled and emergency vessel repairs, with minimal deviation from primary trade routes.
De Silva further noted that recent discussions between ILM Shipping representatives and senior industry figures, including Captain Nalaka, Captain Suresh and Abu, representing two of the world’s largest ship owning groups, have resulted in the successful dispatch of vessels to Colombo and Hambantota for repair work.
According to De Silva, Sri Lanka’s ports are increasingly well-equipped to handle a broad range of vessel repair and maintenance requirements, from routine services to highly specialised technical work.
At present, ILM Shipping is managing several vessels in the ports of Colombo and Hambantota, contributing directly to port activity, foreign exchange earnings, and the wider local maritime economy.
As a full-service shipping agency and marine solutions provider, ILM Shipping operates as a single point of contact for vessel owners and managers. The company coordinates all stages of repair operations, including pre-arrival planning, technical assessments, on-site supervision, and post-repair documentation, ensuring efficient execution, regulatory compliance, and clear communication throughout the process.
ILM Shipping reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Sri Lanka as the preferred choice for shipowners and vessel managers seeking reliable, efficient, and high-quality vessel repair services across all ports in the country.
