The cruise ship upon arrival at the Colombo Port – Pic by Ruwan Walpola
The luxury cruise ship ‘MS Europa 2’, owned by German operator Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten Hamburg, recently called at the Ports of Hambantota and Colombo with 309 passengers and 356 crew onboard. Aitken Spence Maritime is the agent in Sri Lanka for Hapag-Lloyd which is one of the largest container shipping lines in the world. MS Europa and MS Europa 2 are the only cruise ships in the world classified with five-star rating by the legendary Berlitz Cruise Guide. MS Europa 2 is regarded as the new jewel of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet.
“We are extremely delighted that Aitken Spence Maritime facilitated the first cruise ship to call on two ports of Sri Lanka after the unfortunate incidents that took place in April 2019. It is also encouraging for the team to see their efforts materialise and with the Group’s active involvement in the leisure industry, the company will continue to offer comprehensive synergised services to cruise operators,” said Aitken Spence Maritime Managing Director Iqram Cuttilan.
“Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten having made frequent calls to Trincomalee, Hambantota, Galle and Colombo will also include their ships in its schedule for 2019/20. In fact, Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten has selected Sri Lankan Ports as the beginning and end of their voyages, enabling passengers to embark and disembark in Sri Lanka,” said Hapag-Lloyd Lanka Assistant Vice President Lalith Witanachchi.
Hapag-Lloyd’s local agent, Aitken Spence Maritime, is a pioneer in the industry and was the first in Sri Lanka to undertake port efficiency enhancement management overseas with its entry into the African continent and subsequently the South Pacific Islands. The company handles all areas of maritime services – from ship agents and cargo handlers, to liner agency, cruise vessel, port management and development, chartering services and maritime education.
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko