As the global maritime community observes World Maritime Day 2026 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) is highlighting Sri Lanka’s growing contribution to international shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime engineering.

Established in 1974 and strategically located within the Port of Colombo, CDPLC has evolved from a national ship repair and engineering facility into an internationally recognised provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, heavy engineering and offshore engineering solutions. Its location along major international shipping routes, combined with its technical capabilities, enables CDPLC to serve regional and international shipowners. The company’s afloat repair operations also extend beyond Colombo to Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee, strengthening its ability to provide maritime support across Sri Lanka’s key ports.

Over the years, CDPLC has progressively expanded into increasingly specialised areas of maritime engineering. A significant milestone came in 2017 when the company entered the cable-laying vessel segment with the construction of KDDI Cable Infinity for Kokusai Cable Ship Company of Japan.

This was followed by the construction of the cable-laying and repair vessel Sophie Germain for Orange Marine of France. The successful delivery subsequently led to further orders from Orange Marine, while Global Marine Systems Limited of the United Kingdom also placed an order with CDPLC for a cable-laying and repair vessel. These projects have demonstrated the company’s ability to execute sophisticated shipbuilding projects to the demanding technical and performance requirements of international maritime operators.These vessels will incorporate the latest advancements in efficient technologies and be equipped with state-of-the-art systems and equipment, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.

CDPLC has also contributed to the global shift towards more sustainable shipping through its construction of eco-friendly bulk carriers incorporating hybrid propulsion technology for Misje EcoBulk AS of Norway. The programme, covering ten vessels, represents a major milestone in CDPLC’s international shipbuilding journey. By combining advanced propulsion and energy-management technologies, the vessels are designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact, demonstrating how maritime sustainability ambitions can be translated into practical engineering solutions.

Alongside shipbuilding, ship repair remains central to CDPLC’s contribution to global shipping. The company operates four graving dry docks capable of accommodating vessels of up to 125,000 DWT, supported by repair berths and afloat repair capabilities. These facilities allow CDPLC to support the maintenance, reliability and continued operation of vessels serving international trade routes.

A further contribution lies in the development of Sri Lankan technical and engineering expertise. Shipbuilding and ship repair require specialised capabilities across naval architecture, marine engineering, fabrication, welding, electrical systems, automation, machinery, project management and quality assurance.

By developing these competencies locally, CDPLC has helped strengthen Sri Lanka’s ability to participate in sophisticated international maritime projects while creating employment, supporting local suppliers and building opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses within global maritime value chains.

Following the withdrawal of Onomichi Dockyard in July 2025, CDPLC now operates with  Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited of India as the majority shareholder, bringing further international shipbuilding expertise into the company’s development journey.

“World Maritime Day is an opportunity to look beyond Sri Lanka’s geographical advantage and focus on the capabilities required to compete globally. At Colombo Dockyard, our priority is to translate international standards and sustainability ambitions into practical engineering solutions, while continuously strengthening local skills and technology. By building specialised vessels, advancing greener shipbuilding and supporting international fleets, we believe Sri Lanka can create greater value from its position in the Indian Ocean and strengthen its role in the global maritime industry,” said Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director/CEO of Colombo Dockyard PLC.

The World Maritime Day theme for 2026 places emphasis on translating maritime policies, standards and international conventions into tangible outcomes through effective implementation, capacity building, technical cooperation, training and knowledge sharing.

For CDPLC, these principles are reflected in the practical application of international requirements across vessel design, construction, repair and maintenance. The company also maintains ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 50001:2018 certifications, reflecting its continued focus on quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health and safety, and energy efficiency.

As the maritime industry moves towards cleaner technologies, greater efficiency and increasingly sophisticated vessel designs, Colombo Dockyard remains focused on strengthening its people, technology and engineering capabilities while contributing to Sri Lanka’s ambition of becoming a competitive maritime services hub in the Indian Ocean.