SeaLead Shipping officially inaugurated its new direct liner service in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 2 October at Sri Lanka’s Port of Colombo.
The inauguration ceremony in Colombo saw participation from distinguished representatives of both SeaLead and SLPA. Bongso Basheer, General Manager of Liner Management of SeaLead Shipping in Singapore, along with Harsha De Silva, Managing Director of Specialised Shipping Services, and several other senior executives from SeaLead, were in attendance. Representing SLPA were Lal Weerasinghe, Additional Managing Director of Operations; Harbour Master Captain Nirmal Silva; U. Kumara, Director of Operations and CEO of Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT); and G. Zavia Miskin, Director of Marketing and Business Development, alongside senior operational managers.
This development enhances maritime connectivity between the Far East, India, and East Africa through the launch of the Far East India Djibouti (FID) service. FID service, which commenced operations on 5 September, provides weekly liner services, connecting vital ports in China, India, and Djibouti. The westbound route starts in Shanghai and includes key stops at Ningbo, Nansha, Port Klang, Colombo, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra, culminating in Djibouti. The return eastbound journey links Djibouti directly back to Shanghai, streamlining trade across these critical regions.
Prabath Malavige, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, commented on the mutual benefits of the collaboration, emphasizing the vital role of the Port of Colombo in the global supply chain. “This partnership with SeaLead aligns with our ongoing commitment to strengthen Colombo’s status as a premier maritime hub in the region. The FID service will not only enhance trade connectivity but also solidify the Port of Colombo’s strategic importance in facilitating efficient global shipping operations.”
