Colombo Dockyard Revolutionizes Maritime Sector
Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), a leading heavy engineering and shipbuilding company in Sri Lanka, is making waves in the regional maritime economy through its Strategic Growth and Innovation Programme (SGIP). With over 50 years of experience, the dockyard is shifting its focus from traditional ship repair to specialized marine infrastructure, particularly in the Maldives. This strategic pivot not only diversifies its revenue streams but also enhances Sri Lanka’s standing in advanced marine engineering.
Innovative Projects Transforming the Maritime Landscape
Historically recognized for its shipbuilding and repair capabilities, CDPLC is now venturing into the complex realm of underwater structures. This ambitious move is part of a broader strategy to engage in high-value projects that are rarely pursued in South Asia. The SGIP has enabled the dockyard to undertake technically challenging and capital-intensive projects, showcasing its engineering prowess on an international stage.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2018 when CDPLC completed an underwater restaurant for the “You and Me” resort in the Maldives. This project not only highlighted the dockyard’s ability to meet stringent environmental and safety standards but also marked its entry into a niche market. Following this success, in 2022, CDPLC delivered a 50-seat underwater restaurant for the OBLU Resort in Ailafushi, which became the largest of its kind in the Maldives at that time.
Continuing its momentum, the dockyard further solidified its position in 2025 by completing two additional underwater structures, including galleries and restaurants for luxury resorts in the Maldives. Notably, the “Bubble Underwater Restaurant,” a 12-seater attraction, opened in December 2025, enhancing the Maldives’ luxury tourism offerings.
Economic Impact and Future Challenges
The expansion into underwater construction carries significant economic implications for Sri Lanka. By focusing on export-oriented engineering projects, CDPLC is generating foreign exchange, creating high-skilled jobs, and reducing the country’s dependence on traditional maritime services. Additionally, these projects foster backward linkages across various sectors, including steel fabrication, logistics, design engineering, and marine installation services.
However, the SGIP-driven expansion is not without its challenges. Large-scale overseas projects require substantial upfront investment, extended timelines, and exposure to foreign market fluctuations. Any delays or cost overruns could jeopardize the dockyard’s financial stability, particularly given its public-sector ownership structure.
Despite these risks, CDPLC’s foray into underwater construction presents a broader opportunity for Sri Lanka to ascend the maritime value chain. If managed effectively, the diversification efforts under SGIP could catalyze long-term industrial growth, enhance technological capabilities, and boost regional competitiveness in the global maritime economy.
