Today, we celebrate World Maritime Day. A day dedicated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise the crucial role that the shipping and maritime industry plays in connecting the world through global trade. This year’s theme – “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” – recognises the efforts and the invaluable service performed by the men and women who serve the maritime industry and subsequently contribute to the global economy.
Hayleys Advantis has revolutionised Sri Lanka’s maritime industry for over 60 years and is a vital link that connects Sri Lanka to the world. Today, the company that emerged in 1958 as the shipping division of the Hayleys Group has expanded its service portfolio to offer end-to-end marine and energy-related solutions, which have helped cement Sri Lanka as an emerging regional maritime hub.
In promoting Sri Lanka as a vibrant and viable transhipment hub, Hayleys Advantis has played a significant role in attracting some of the world’s most renowned shipping lines to the country. Additionally, Advantis, as the largest marine asset owner and operator in Sri Lanka, has made an impact in enhancing Sri Lanka’s position in the regional maritime industry through its vessel operations in niche markets. Furthermore, the efforts that have been undertaken by Advantis to create a burgeoning maritime support industry, have enabled the company to better cater to the growing needs of the vessels that call Sri Lanka, thereby delivering exceptional value and enhancing their overall customer experience.
Advantis has also been a key player in the bunkering industry in Sri Lanka as a trader and a supplier of a range of marine fuels for vessels calling Sri Lankan as well as regional ports. The company has a significant voice in this sector, constantly engaging with the government, international traders and a host of other vital stakeholders to create a globally competitive industry that is governed by fair and equitable policies and regulations. Such measures have boosted the confidence of global carriers to select Sri Lanka as their location of choice for bunkering in the region.
As one of the pioneers in establishing the oil and gas sector in Sri Lanka, Advantis has provided logistics and marine support for many projects in this industry, particularly for the exploration activities undertaken in the Mannar basin. The company has turned Sri Lanka into a hub for oil and gas layup, modification, repair and logistics support, by taking advantage of the strategic location of the country and favourable legislation.
Hayleys Advantis is one of the largest employers in the maritime sector providing opportunities in multiple areas such as seafaring, vessel agency, marine surveying and marine engineering. Furthermore, significant investments are undertaken by engaging with educational service providers and training institutions to enhance the competencies of the industry to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In furthering the activities of the Sri Lankan shipping sector, Hayleys Advantis has continually played a vital role in supporting the endeavours of its main industry body: the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA). Mr. Mohan Pandithage, Chairman of Hayleys PLC and Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis Limited, have provided leadership as Chairmen of CASA in the past; and Mr. Shano Sabar, Executive Director of Hayleys Advantis, holds the title of Vice Chairman of CASA at present. In addition, several employees of Hayelys Advantis hold prominent positions in many of CASA’s sub-committees contributing to the growth and prosperity of the industry.
Whilst congratulating CASA on its 55 years of service to the industry, Advantis, driven by its purpose to inspire, connect and enrich, will continue to support and collaborate with CASA to establish Sri Lanka as the most sought-after maritime hub in the region.
Hayleys Advantis is Sri Lanka’s most diversified transportation and logistics provider with six decades of experience and operations spread across the Asian region. Backed by the blue-chip multinational conglomerate Hayleys PLC, Hayleys Advantis is at the forefront of the logistics industry providing end-to-end solutions covering air, land and sea. It is committed towards being an innovator in the industry, setting the pace and shaping the logistics category.
