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Hambantota International Port upbeat about its prospects after Lloyd’s certification
The Hambantota International Port (HIP), which continues to come under attack by the Opposition, has said it expects an impressive growth in time to come.
The HIP has in a media statement said it has received FSS certification (Fitness for Service) for their tank farm facility.
“The certification was issued by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the World’s leading provider of classification, compliance and consultancy services to marine and offshore industries. This is a landmark achievement that will further strengthen the HIP brand in the maritime world.
“The port was awarded Lloyd’s certification, after a comprehensive approval process and an impartial third-party assessment. The entire process was handled by HIP’s Department of Energy Services who worked with Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore Asia LLP, in achieving the recognition.
“Located just 10 nautical miles (19 km), from the world’s busiest maritime route linking Europe and Asia, HIP’s fully functioning tank farm facility for bunker fuel supply, provides a huge advantage to the vast number of vessels plying this route.
“The high performance in bunkering volumes handled by HIP last year, underpins the potential the port has for this business. Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) says the recognition by a trusted International organisation like the Lloyd’s Register, will not only strengthen the confidence the international maritime community has in the port, but will also help boost Sri Lanka’s oil and gas industry.
“As we enter the new year, we are confident that we will see phenomenal growth rates not only in bunkering but also in other services offered by HIP. As much as we see the importance of safety protocols being maintained to the highest standards within the port, we are also confident that our efficiency in delivery continues to improve. It is the combination of all these factors that fuel our growth,” says the CEO.
There were two phases to the oil tank refurbishment project undertaken by HIPG. Both phases, i.e. the oil storage terminal and two oil jetties have been awarded FFS Certification by Lloyd’s. The storage network has 11 tanks, associated pipelines and eight loading/unloading arms of two jetties, which are all included in the certification. Currently HIP has a maximum storage capacity of 51,000 m3 for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and 23,000 m3 for Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), held in utmost safe conditions, verified by Lloyds.
The certification is in line with HIP’s objective of providing bunker fuels and related products that are compliant with international maritime organisation (IMO) standards. The IMO introduced a 0.5% m/m (mass by mass) Sulphur cap on bunkers for ships operating outside emission control areas in January 2020. With this regulation, the use of VLSFO will see a considerable increase in comparison with HSFO (High Sulphur Fuel Oil).
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
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President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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