Bangladesh feeder vessel operator, HR Lines shipping service has commenced operations as the first container service at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of the Port of Colombo after the control of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With a greater focus to provide flexible feeder connections in Colombo, HR Lines, who introduced their feeder service, CCE – Chattogram Colombo Express in April 2021, has dedicated one of their Chattogram loops to call at JCT, Sri Lanka Port Authority said.

Accordingly, MV HR SARERA Voyage 0042N has called at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of the Port of Colombo (POC) on Mar 10th. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Tareq Md Ariful Islam was present at the occasion.

MV HR SARERA is the first inaugural caller at the JCT of SLPA after Covid -19 pandemic. To mark the inaugural call of the vessel plaque exchanges were held at the JCT of SLPA. Clarion Shipping (Pvt) Ltd., a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis group is the local agent for the vessel.

HR Lines started the Colombo – Chattogram feeder service with two vessels, once a week sailing and eventually will upgrade it to twice weekly with adding two more vessels by October 2022.

Being one of the prominent feeder operators, within a year, HR Lines has secured a total market share of about 35% of this trade lane.

HR Line is a part of diversified group Karnaphuli Bangladesh and is determined to enhance their presence in Colombo with further developments.

Expressing views at the occasion, Chairman of SLPA Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna said that during the discussions held with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, it was apparent that Bangladesh was immensely supportive of improving mutually beneficial relationships between the two countries and also for working together to bring in more practical and workable business solutions in policy decision levels towards enhancing volumes at the JCT and POC.

He also thanked the Hayleys Advantis Group for having trust on the JCT to have the new initiative and for its continuity.

Speaking at the occasion, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Tareq Md Ariful Islam said that shipping connectivity was one of the most important areas in developing bilateral relations between the two countries.

He also thanked the JCT and the Port of Colombo for the improved efficiency in operations and wished for a long lasting relationship that would open more business avenues in maritime operations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Source: Colombo Page