Colombo Dockyard Commences Construction of High-Tech French Vessel 🚢

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) has officially laid the keel for Yard No. 0263, an ultramodern cable-laying and repair vessel commissioned by France’s Orange Marine. This project marks a significant expansion of Sri Lanka’s footprint in the European shipbuilding market. • Vessel Specifications: The ship measures 100m in length with an 1,800 DWT capacity. Designed by VARD Design AS (Norway), it focuses on low fuel consumption and advanced sea-keeping for sub-sea cable operations. • Strategic Impact: The project reinforces the maritime and engineering sector's role in high-value exports and strengthens economic ties between Sri Lanka and France. • Key Partners: Construction adheres to Bureau Veritas standards and French Flag Authority regulations. CDPLC operates in collaboration with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, which holds a 51% stake. • Timeline: Based on current schedules, the vessel is set for delivery in early 2028. This venture highlights Sri Lanka's capability in the ICT/BPM infrastructure supply chain, as the vessel will support global telecommunications and energy submarine cable networks.