FPS partners MT H

FPS will handle the majority of the logistics services required during the construction of the Oluvil Port Project in Sri Lanka. FPS Sri Lanka is a member of the Famous Pacific Shipping Group and will provide a complete package of freight forwarding services in connection with this appointment.

The services package will cover documentation, customs brokerage, co-ordination of cargo discharge operations, interim storage and transfer of materials to the site of the new facility. The shipments will include over-dimensional cargoes, breakbulk, FCL, LCL and open top containers, as well as airfreight consignments.

Located on Sri Lanka's east coast, 375 km from Colombo, Oluvil's new port will function as a regional facility primarily for bulk and breakbulk shipments, as well as providing a home for fishing vessels.

The estimated cost for the initial stage, which is due to completed by 2010, is Eur50 million.

Gihan Nanayakkara, Managing Director of FPS Sri Lanka, says: "We have a proven track record in the handling of project cargoes and look forward to working with MT Højgaard to make this important port project a success.

At present, FPS Sri Lanka is also providing logistics services for a 300MW combined cycle power station, which is being constructed on the west coast of Sri Lanka for West Coast Power (Pvt) Ltd, an affiliate of the largest power company in the country.

Adds Mr Nanayakkara: "Our appointment by MT Højgaard comes at the same time as members of Famous Pacific Shipping are developing a significant track record in project cargo forwarding as a means of diversifying from the group's NVOCC business model.

"We are looking to build on the business skills gained from providing our first-class NVOCC services and migrating any relevant skills to this new area of business. In turn, we have learned the different dynamics and have brought to the marketplace a project cargo forwarding package that our customers value."