The Port of Colombo witnessed a landmark development in Sri Lanka’s maritime sector with the historic maiden call of MV JI ZHE 6, operated by Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd, at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) on 29 July 2026.
The inaugural call marks the official commencement of Hongkong Jihang Shipping’s Colombo service and represents a significant step in strengthening maritime connectivity between Sri Lanka and key trading markets across India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, and the Red Sea region. The development further reinforces Colombo’s growing importance as a strategic transshipment and logistics hub within the Indian Ocean.
Headquartered in Ningbo, China, Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd has steadily expanded its regional footprint through a growing fleet and an increasingly diversified service network connecting major commercial centres across Asia and beyond.
In a strong vote of confidence in Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities, Hongkong Jihang Shipping has appointed Ocean Lanka Lines (Pvt) Ltd (OCL), a subsidiary of ILM Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, as its Exclusive Agent in Sri Lanka, entrusting the company with the management of its local agency, operational, and commercial activities.
To commemorate the vessel’s maiden call, a traditional plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard MV JI ZHE 6, attended by senior representatives of Hongkong Jihang Shipping, the management of Colombo International Container Terminal, and the leadership of Ocean Lanka Lines.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Paul, Owners’ Representative of Hongkong Jihang Shipping, disclosed that several well-established shipping organizations in Sri Lanka had expressed interest in representing the company. Following a comprehensive evaluation process and a series of strategic engagements, Ocean Lanka Lines emerged as the preferred partner.
“Selecting the right representative in a strategically important market such as Sri Lanka was a critical decision for our organization. Throughout our discussions, Ocean Lanka Lines demonstrated exceptional professionalism, commercial acumen, and a clear understanding of our long-term objectives. Their commitment to service excellence and operational reliability distinguished them from a highly competitive field,” he stated.
Mr. Paul paid special tribute to Mr. Hadley Rodrigo, Chairman of Ocean Lanka Lines, acknowledging his leadership, strategic vision, and distinguished reputation within the maritime and logistics industry.
“The confidence we have placed in Ocean Lanka Lines is built upon the leadership and values demonstrated by Mr. Rodrigo and Tressel. Their long-standing contribution to the industry and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions provided us with a strong foundation for this partnership,” he added.
He also commended Mr. Tressel Silva, Director – Operations & Marketing of Ocean Lanka Lines, for his extensive shipping expertise, industry relationships, and proactive approach throughout the negotiations.
“Mr. Silva’s operational knowledge, market insight, and dedication were instrumental in facilitating constructive discussions and establishing the framework for a successful and sustainable partnership,” Mr. Paul noted.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Hadley Rodrigo, Chairman of Ocean Lanka Lines, expressed his appreciation to the management of Hongkong Jihang Shipping for the confidence placed in the organisation.
“We are deeply honoured to be appointed as the Exclusive Sri Lanka Agent for Hongkong Jihang Shipping. This appointment represents a significant milestone for Ocean Lanka Lines and reflects the trust placed in our capabilities, expertise, and commitment to excellence. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Jihang Shipping’s regional network while delivering the highest standards of agency and logistics services,” he said.
Mr. Rodrigo further highlighted the strength and diversity of the ILM Group, noting its established presence across shipping, logistics, transportation, marine services, and port-related operations. He emphasized that the partnership would create new opportunities to support trade growth while contributing to the continued development of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.
He also extended his appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer and management of Colombo International Container Terminal for their unwavering support and collaboration in facilitating the successful launch of Jihang Shipping’s operations in Colombo.
Mr. Tressel Silva, Director – Operations & Marketing of Ocean Lanka Lines and Chief Executive Officer of ILM Shipping Services, welcomed the appointment as a significant achievement for both organizations.
“The arrival of MV JI ZHE 6 and the commencement of this service represent more than the introduction of a new shipping connection. It signifies a strategic partnership that will further integrate Colombo into key regional trade corridors while enhancing cargo connectivity between South Asia, the Far East, and the Red Sea region,” he stated.
“We remain committed to working closely with terminal operators, feeder networks, mainline carriers, logistics providers, container depots, and all stakeholders to maximise cargo opportunities and strengthen Colombo’s position as the preferred transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.”
Mr. Silva further noted that Ocean Lanka Lines possesses the operational expertise, infrastructure, and industry network required to support the expansion of Hongkong Jihang Shipping’s services and facilitate future growth in cargo volumes through Sri Lanka.
The maiden call of MV JI ZHE 6 represents a defining milestone for both Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd and Ocean Lanka Lines (Pvt) Ltd. Industry observers believe the new service will contribute significantly to regional trade facilitation, supply chain resilience, and maritime connectivity, while generating new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s shipping and logistics sectors.
The successful launch of the service further underscores the confidence international shipping lines continue to place in the Port of Colombo’s world-class infrastructure, operational excellence, and strategic geographic location. As global trade continues to evolve, partnerships of this nature are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka’s ambition of becoming the premier maritime and logistics hub in South Asia.
