📈 Colombo Dockyard Finalizes Major Export Contract for Advanced French Vessels

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) has confirmed that its historic contract with French firm Orange Marine is now officially effective. This marks a major milestone for Sri Lanka’s shipbuilding industry, securing the construction of two ultra-modern Cable Laying and Repair Vessels. • Project Timeline & Progress The contract, originally signed in November 2025, is now in the active phase following the fulfillment of all financial and legal conditions. The design phase is underway in collaboration with VARD (Norway), and the formal construction (keel laying) for the first vessel is scheduled for April 2026. • Economic Impact & Export Earnings This is the largest shipbuilding contract in the company’s history. It is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s national export earnings and secure vital foreign currency. The project reinforces the island’s reputation as a high-tech maritime hub capable of catering to the elite European market. • Vessel Specifications The 100-meter vessels are designed for high-efficiency subsea operations: - Eco-friendly design: Optimized hull forms and diesel-electric propulsion to reduce carbon footprints. - Capacity: Equipped with three cable tanks for fiber optic and power cables, plus accommodation for 76 personnel. - Global Standards: Built to Bureau Veritas (BV) CleanShip standards and French Flag Authority regulations. • Strategic Context These vessels will replace aging units in the Orange Marine fleet, which manages 12% of the world’s cableship capacity. The successful delivery of the Sophie Germain in 2023 paved the way for this repeat order, solidifying Sri Lanka’s position in global digital infrastructure maintenance.