Kunio Kobatake, Managing Director of Onomichi Dockyard Company and Director of Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), recently visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) to solidify a new partnership. This follows an agreement between CDPLC and the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) to build a state-of-the-art ship repair workshop at the port.

Johnson Liu, CEO of HIPG, highlighted HIP's strategic location along the Indian Ocean’s east-west routes, making it ideal for ship repair services. CDPLC is investing around $1 million in a new afloat repair facility at HIP. Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director of CDPLC, said that the collaboration with HIP allows them to offer advanced repair services to a wide range of ships, enhancing the port's capabilities.

The new facility is expected to significantly boost HIP's status as a premier destination for afloat repairs in the Indian Ocean region, with the workshop slated for completion in the second quarter of 2025. This project will also create business opportunities for the local community involved in ship supplies.