Jihang Shipping's first Colombo call, with OCL as exclusive Sri Lanka agent
MV JI ZHE 6 berthed at CICT on 29 July 2026, opening a new service to India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, China and the Red Sea — with an ILM Holdings company handling it on the ground.
On 29 July 2026 the Port of Colombo marked a first: MV JI ZHE 6, operated by Hongkong Jihang International Shipping Co., Ltd, made her maiden call at Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). The call formally opened Jihang Shipping's Colombo service and strengthened the island's links to India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, China and the Red Sea region — another sign of Colombo's pull as a transshipment and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.
A Ningbo-based operator choosing Colombo
Headquartered in Ningbo, China, Hongkong Jihang International Shipping has grown steadily across the region on the back of an expanding fleet and a service network reaching most major commercial centres in Asia and beyond.
In a clear vote of confidence in Sri Lankan capability, the line appointed Ocean Lines Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (OCL) — a subsidiary of ILM Holdings (Pvt) Ltd — as its exclusive agent in Sri Lanka, handing over local agency, operational and commercial responsibility.
Plaque exchange onboard
A traditional plaque exchange was held onboard MV JI ZHE 6, attended by senior representatives of Jihang Shipping, the management of CICT and the leadership of Ocean Lines Lanka. Mr. Paul, Owners' Representative for Jihang Shipping, told the gathering that OCL had stood out as the best fit among the many companies that had bid to represent the line in Colombo.
“We are deeply honoured to be appointed as the Exclusive Sri Lanka Agent for Hongkong Jihang Shipping. This appointment reflects the trust placed in our capabilities, expertise and commitment to excellence.”
He also thanked the Chief Executive Officer and management of CICT for their support in getting the service away cleanly. OCL, for its part, says it has the operational expertise, infrastructure and network needed to support Jihang Shipping's expansion and the cargo growth expected to follow through Sri Lanka.
Industry observers expect the new service to contribute to regional trade facilitation, supply chain resilience and maritime connectivity, while creating fresh opportunities across Sri Lanka's shipping and logistics sectors.
Original report
This article is our own retelling. The story was first reported by Ceylon News 24.
Read it on Ceylon News 24
