News

Hapag Lloyd Lanka sets industry benchmark for effective Environmental Management System (EMS)

Hapag Lloyd Lanka is the first liner agency company in Sri Lanka to receive both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accreditations

Hapag-Lloyd Lanka, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC and the local representation of Hapag-Lloyd AG- Hamburg was recently awarded ISO 14001:2015 from ALCUMUS ISOQAR Manchester, United Kingdom. The scope of the certification covers Hapag Lloyd Shipping Agency Services at Aitken Spence Tower II, Vauxhall Street.

Hapag Lloyd Lanka also received the ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2018 and was re-certified this year. Hapag Lloyd Lanka is the first liner agency company in Sri Lanka to receive both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accreditations.

ISO 9001:2015 specifies management system requirements for quality and ISO 14001 sets out the system requirements for an environmental impact management and control. With the aim of improving its environmental performance, Hapag Lloyd Lanka obtained this certification for more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.

“Hapag-Lloyd Lanka is honoured to be among the pioneers in the industry to achieve this valued endorsement that demonstrates sought after international quality and environmental standards. Our parent company Hapag-Lloyd AG- Hamburg is also ISO 9001 and 14001 certified across the global logistics chain and marine operations, commented Mr. Lalith Witanachchi – Asst. Vice President of Hapag Lloyd Lanka Ltd.

“Aitken Spence actively manages its impacts on the environment in a scientific and systematic way with over 50 diverse management systems benchmarked under internationally acclaimed standards including ISO standards for environmental and social governance. It has become a prerequisite mandated by customers and other stakeholders for businesses including shipping lines to be conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. We commend Hapag Lloyd Lanka for being pioneers in this endeavour taking the decisive step to be ISO 14001 certified, which is keeping with the Group’s overall objective of developing sustainable businesses,” further commented Mr. Lalith Witanachchi.

Hapag-Lloyd represents one of the world’s leading container shipping lines Hapag-Lloyd based in Hamburg, Germany. Hapag-Lloyd is ranked the fifth largest liner shipping company in the world, operating one of the largest shipping container fleet and today ranks among the top five mainline carriers to the port of Colombo. Hapag-Lloyd currently operates eight services to Colombo on a weekly and regular basis using Colombo port as the Transshipment Hub in the region.

Hapag-Lloyd Lanka, liner agency represents Hapag-Lloyd AG- Hamburg is a joint venture with Aitken Spence Maritime. Aitken Spence Maritime was the first Sri Lankan company to undertake port efficiency enhancement management overseas with its entry into the African Continent and subsequently the South Pacific Islands. The company handles all areas of maritime services – from ship agents and cargo handlers, to liner agency, cruise vessel, port management and development, chartering services and maritime education.

Mr. Lalith Witanachchi, Asst. Vice President, Hapag-Lloyd Lanka receiving the Award from ISO Auditor Mr. See Jong Tan (ALCUMUS ISOQAR) with Hapag-Lloyd Lanka’s ISO Team and Mr. Iqram Cuttilan Managing Director of Aitken Spence Maritime Sector.