The Golden Gate Pendulum (GGP) Service operated by the Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) inducted a brand new 332 metres long 8500- TEU vessel, "Northern Juvenile", boosting its current service to 14 vessels.

MSC's GGP service, switched over to the state-run Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) in December, 2009 expecting to carry out more than 1800 moves per vessel. The GGP service operate on competitive transit times and brings import cargoes from the Eastern Seaboard of US to Colombo and delivers local exports and transshipment cargo from the Indian sub continent to the Far East.

A ceremony was held on board the vessel "Northern Juvenile" in commemoration of its maiden call at the JCT of SLPA, on her inaugural west-bound voyage on the 24th of May 2010. To mark the significance of this move to the SLPA, plaques were exchanged between the Harbour Master of SLPA Capt. Ravi Jayawickrama and the Master of the vessel Capt. Vasilache Corneliu along with officials of the SLPA and Messrs. MSC Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., the local agent for MSC. Harbour Master, Capt. Ravi Jayawickrama said, "We have attracted several new lines and services in recent months to the JCT and this trend is a clear indication of the quality of service provided by the SLPA. The overall effects of a resurgent economy in Sri Lanka are likely to show strong growth this year and as a result SLPA will definitely be able to improve its throughput this year."
(DN04062010)