Kanoo Prudential Shipping has officially commenced operations as a strategic joint venture, combining global maritime expertise and deep local knowledge to elevate shipping services and operational standards across Sri Lanka and the wider region.
Kanoo Prudential Shipping joint venture strengthens Sri Lanka maritime services
Kanoo Prudential Shipping has been launched as a strategic joint venture between Kanoo Shipping, one of the Middle East’s most established maritime brands, and Prudential Shipping, a leading Sri Lankan shipping agency with decades of industry experience. The partnership brings together complementary strengths to deliver enhanced maritime solutions while supporting the continued development of Sri Lanka’s shipping and logistics sector.
Kanoo Shipping carries a heritage spanning more than 115 years and is recognised as the largest regional ship service provider in the Middle East. Its operations extend across Africa and South Asia, offering a comprehensive range of ship agency, logistics, and marine services to a diverse global client base. Over more than a century, the company has built a reputation for operational reliability, scale, and innovation in managing complex maritime requirements.
Prudential Shipping, with over 28 years of experience in Sri Lanka, is widely regarded for its reliability, efficiency, and personalised approach to maritime services. The company has successfully represented overseas principals while managing port operations, logistics coordination, and regulatory compliance across Sri Lankan ports. Its strong local relationships and in-depth understanding of domestic maritime frameworks have positioned it as a trusted partner within the industry.
The formation of Kanoo Prudential Shipping reflects a shared vision to create a unified platform that blends international best practices with local operational expertise. By leveraging combined resources, technical capabilities, and extensive regional networks, the joint venture aims to deliver a broad spectrum of shipping services tailored to the evolving demands of vessel operators, charterers, and logistics partners.
Under the new entity, clients in Sri Lanka will gain access to comprehensive ship agency representation, efficient port call management, offshore and onshore logistics support, and specialised crew change facilitation. The service offering also includes husbandry services, marine logistics coordination, and integrated supply chain solutions designed to ensure seamless vessel operations across multiple ports. Industry observers note that such end-to-end capabilities are increasingly critical as shipping operations become more time-sensitive and compliance-driven.
A key focus of Kanoo Prudential Shipping is operational excellence supported by a strong customer-centric approach. By uniting two well-established maritime brands, the joint venture aims to raise service benchmarks while enhancing responsiveness, transparency, and reliability. This approach aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s broader ambition to position itself as a competitive maritime and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean region.
Commenting on the launch, John Drinkwater, Chief Executive Officer of Kanoo Shipping, stated that the joint venture brings together decades of maritime experience and operational strength. He noted that the collaboration is designed to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that respond to the changing requirements of global shipping, while also driving progress, sustainability, and excellence across the regional maritime industry.
Retha Els, Vice President Finance – Shipping at Kanoo Shipping, emphasised that the partnership is built on a shared commitment to service quality. She highlighted that integrating Kanoo’s extensive global network with Prudential Shipping’s deep local expertise enables the delivery of reliable, efficient, and seamless maritime solutions that consistently exceed customer expectations.
Rishantha Mendis, Managing Director of Kanoo Prudential Shipping, described the joint venture as the convergence of two trusted brands with a common vision for maritime excellence. He stated that the company looks forward to creating new opportunities in Sri Lanka and the region while delivering enhanced value to clients through expanded service capabilities and operational efficiency.
The launch of Kanoo Prudential Shipping comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s maritime sector is seeking to modernise infrastructure, improve service quality, and strengthen regional connectivity. Industry analysts believe that partnerships combining global reach with strong local execution can play a vital role in attracting increased vessel traffic, supporting trade flows, and building long-term resilience within the sector.
Now fully operational, Kanoo Prudential Shipping is ready to serve vessels calling at all major Sri Lankan and Maldivian ports. With its integrated service model and strong leadership backing, the joint venture is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the growth, professionalism, and global competitiveness of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka and beyond.