Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) has signed a major shipbuilding contract with Orange Marine of France to construct two state-of-the-art cable laying and repair vessels, marking the largest shipbuilding contract in the company’s history. The agreement further strengthens Colombo Dockyard’s position as a leading global destination for high-technology vessel construction.
The contract signing ceremony was held in Colombo, with Didier Dillard, President and CEO of Orange Marine, signing the agreements in the presence of Emmanuel Décugis, Ships Technical Director and Med Marine Base Director. From the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Rémi Lambert, Deputy Head of Mission Matthieu John, and Economic Counsellor Philippe Fouet attended the event. Representing Colombo Dockyard were Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director and CEO, and Gihan Ravinatha, Director and CFO, together with the company’s senior management team.
The two ultra-modern vessels will be designed by Vard Design AS of Norway and will feature an optimized hull form and bow shape developed to ensure high speed, reduced fuel consumption, and minimal environmental impact. Each vessel will be 100 meters long, with a beam of 18.8 meters, a depth of 7.15 meters, and a deadweight capacity of 1,800 DWT. The vessels will be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion systems comprising four generator sets, twin Azipod propellers aft, and two tunnel thrusters forward, providing excellent maneuverability and station-keeping performance.
The ships are designed to perform subsea cable laying, maintenance, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspection operations. They will have accommodation for 76 persons and include three cable tanks for fiber optic cable storage. Built to Bureau Veritas classification standards, the vessels will comply with all regulatory requirements of the French Flag Authority and will meet BV CLEANSHIP standards, highlighting CDPLC’s commitment to environmentally responsible shipbuilding.
This latest project follows the successful delivery of the 100-meter cable laying and repair vessel Sophie Germain to Orange Marine in July 2023 and the 113-meter KDDI Cable Infinity to Japan in 2019. These achievements have positioned Colombo Dockyard as a preferred and trusted builder of cable laying and repair vessels for international clients.
The new contract marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s shipbuilding industry and establishes Colombo Dockyard’s growing presence in the European market. As the country’s premier shipbuilder, CDPLC continues to contribute substantially to national export earnings while supporting Sri Lanka’s maritime development strategy through innovation, technical excellence, and sustainable industrial growth.
