Colombo Dockyard Completes Emergency Repairs on Singapore Vessel after Terrorist Attack in Gulf of Aden

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) operates as a premier Shipbuilding and Ship repair facility in the most strategic locations in Indian Ocean. While the shipyard facility in port of Colombo handles the dry-dock repairs, all emergency or planned afloat repairs in all Sri Lankan Ports and anchorages are managed by a specialized and dedicated unit called “Rapid Response Afloat Repair Services”. The Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Lobivia, recently sustained damages after being struck while navigating the Gulf of Aden. Although initial plans were to repair the vessel in the gulf region, the vessel opted to unload cargo in South India and proceed to repairs either in the Middle East or Singapore due to its cargo commitments in South Asia. CDPLC was informed about the repair by Marine Plus. Accordingly, a specialized team was dispatched to inspect the vessel and the team proposed that the repairs could be completed without drydocking, saving significant time to the vessel’s owners (Asiatic Lloyd Singapore), operators (CMA-CGM France) and underwriters. After evaluating the job scope and procedure, the vessel was entrusted to CDPLC for repairs. One of the main damages was on the hatch covers built by MacGregor. While the vessel’s owners initially suggested replacing the covers, CDPLC leveraged its expertise in fabricating hatch covers – gained through its experience in building a series of 5000 DWT Hybrid Bulk Carriers, six of which have already been delivered. Having not received the detailed drawings from OEM, shipyard proposed repairing the damaged hatch covers, which was a more cost-effective solution. After convincing owners and underwriters, the damaged hatch cover was repaired taking replacements from other hatch covers adjusted in place, tested and qualified for use.

Additionally, the vessel’s accommodation compartments suffered damages. The shipyard, removed and disposed all damaged components and refurbished with new ceiling panels, wall panels, furniture and painted. In addition to the hatch cover repairs and accommodation refurbishments, the shipyard carried out comprehensive work on several other critical areas of the vessel. The cargo crane required repairs including steel renewal for the damaged jib, repairs to cabin doors, and restoration of electrical. Cargo holds and fuel tanks were also repaired. The provisional crane underwent bearing inspection and refitting. Furthermore, extensive piping repairs and railing repairs were completed. The shipyard provided comprehensive support to the owner’s technical team to ensure all electrical repairs were completed. Despite challenges posed by unprecedented weather, CDPLC successfully completed the repairs within the quoted timeframe. The shipyard extends its appreciation to the vessel owners, their representatives, the underwriters and the vessel crew for their unwavering cooperation throughout the repair process. Special thanks also go to Marine Plus for connecting and coordinating with the client. The project was managed by Mr. U.M.O.N. Ilanganthilaka and Mr. E.S.D. Silva with the invaluable support of the commercial and production teams.