Colombo Dockyard to Build Six Bulk Carriers for Misje

Sri Lanka shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) said it is moving toward executing an already signed contract with Misje Eco Bulk AS to build a series of six bulk carriers, with options for up to four additional vessels. The contracts were signed in March but are scheduled to come into effect in September upon the Norwegian shipowner's final board approval.

Misje is a fully owned subsidiary of Kåre Misje & Co., a family owned Norwegian company which holds a group of companies providing services ranging from chartering and operation to technical and financial management.

The series' first vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 18 months, and the subsequent vessels will be delivered in four-month intervals.  

The concept and the basic design has been developed by Wärtsilä Ship Design Norway AS, and the detailed designing will be carried out by CDPLC. The 89.95-meter-long vessels are designed to hold a cargo capacity of 5,000 deadweight tons, including bulk cargo, grain, timber, unit loads and containers.

These vessels are developed as eco-friendly vessels, with lower emissions output compared to a conventional bulk carriers of the same size. Each ship will be powered by a four-stroke diesel engine with an electric hybrid system supplying additional power through a battery system.

CDPLC, which is 35% owned by the Sri Lankan government. notes it has been targeting the European market extensively, especially for the construction of eco-friendly bulkers, cable laying and repairing vessels, service operation vessels.