New “K” Line’s Ro-Ro Vessel Makes its Maiden Call at Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) Vessel, MV “DALIAN HIGHWAY” of “K” Line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.), made its maiden call at the Guide Pier of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on December 21, 2011.

Established in 1919 and having multiple business lines in Marine, Land and Air transportation areas, “K” Line provides safe and speedy car transportation services as a pioneer in the business of owning and operating car carriers. “K” LINE has always endeavored to innovatively reinforce its car carrier fleet with environmental considerations and to deliver their service in the handling of complete cars free of damage at all times during loading, discharging as well as ocean navigation. “K” Line has also succeeded in adopting an electronic control engine onboard a car carrier for the first time in the world, a state-of-the-art technology which contributes greatly to reduce emissions of NOx, CO2 and Particulates during low load operations.

“K” Line has also focused on recent trends in automobile manufacturing industries around the globe. With production sites being shifted from traditional vehicle-producing countries to emerging industrial countries, logistics in the transport of complete cars is being more widely globalized. With a view to positively responding to these ineluctable changes, “K” Line has endeavored to introduce various types of vessels in its fleet and strengthened its service network encompassing the Atlantic, Southeast Asia, Oceania, intra-Europe and China, with unswerving attention to satisfy customer needs by taking a positive and wholesome attitude toward their requirements.

“K” Line has been a long standing customer of SLPA and it has undertaken fifty-one (51) voyages of it Car Carrier services to Colombo and discharged 40,095 units of all types of vehicles in 2011 up to now whilst the total number of vehicles imported to Sri Lanka in the period under review stands approximately at 82,000.

A ceremony was held on board the vessel MV “DALIAN HIGHWAY” in commemoration of the vessel’s maiden call at SLPA’s Guide Pier, on December 21, 2011. To mark the significance of this move to the SLPA, plaques were exchanged between SLPA Chairman, Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama, Managing Director, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola, and the Master of the Vessel Capt. Stiliyan Kreudev in the presence of other distinguished officials of SLPA and those of Messrs. ABC Shipping (PVT) Ltd., the local agent for “K” Line, consisting of Chairman, Shiran Dissanayake and Managing Director, Wasantha Talagala.

Commenting at the press briefing that ensued the ceremony, SLPA Chairman, Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama said “Of many a business initiative and industry first undertaken by “K” Line , I would appreciate its emphasis on Green Management and their perception that its business activities impact upon the environment. They have expressed their determination to minimize the environmental degradation in their Environmental Charter. Inevitably, ports contribute to air pollution through the toxic emissions such as NOx and CO2 from ships, trucks, trains and equipment. “K” Line’s contribution towards protection of environment is commendable and worthy of emulation. It won’t be an exaggeration to state that “k” Line can be cited as a role model for the environmentally-inclined shipping liner”.

Managing Director of SLPA, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola commenting at the press conference said ““K” Line has been a loyal and long-standing customer of SLPA and today we are glad to herald its brand new car carrier MV “DALIAN HIGHWAY” to the Port of Colombo. A quick dekko at our statistics reveals that in 2011 up until now, “K” Line has handled almost 50% of vehicle imports to Sri Lanka. “K” Line is synonymous with safest delivery of vehicles with ultra-care.”

“Equally important is “K” Line’s concern on the environment. I am of the view that success of a port should not be measured by the volumes handled and the profits earned alone. It should be an engine of regional development, financially self-sustaining and more importantly environmentally sustainable. I would also stress the point that Port projects should necessarily include more green language. It is my fervent belief that “K” Line will come up with innovative ideas in the future for concepts such as Super Eco Ships and issues such as Ballast Water Treatment requirements and make them within the realms of possibility.” he further added.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of Messrs. ABC Shipping (PVT) Ltd., Managing Director, Mr. Wasantha Talagala said “We are impressed with the productivity and efficiency gains achieved by SLPA, their quality of service and the customer-oriented outlook of its management. I am optimistic that our long standing business relationship will make us continue to patronize SLPA unfailingly in years to come.”

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World Maritime News Staff, December 27, 2011; Image: Sri Lanka Ports Authority