Who we are

Commencing his career as a trainee with a leading shipping agency, (but quickly rising to General Manager) where he stayed for 16 years, Rohitha gained a deep knowledge of the agency through Liner, Tramp and P & I correspondence. He also became very familiar with vessel operations in Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee.When a leading international agency network started a new Colombo office he was appointed its first Manager and then General Manager. Naturally, he was responsible for all the agency activities in Sri Lanka and enjoyed overall responsibility for both the Colombo and Galle offices where he developed the agency into one of the leading lights in the shipping industry.Seeking new challenges he decided to take an international assignment, but returned to Colombo in 1998 as Director/General Manager of Prudential Shipping.Shipping does offer many opportunities for travel and Rohitha has attended many international shipping conferences and port visits in Piraeus in Greece, London, Norway, Singapore and South Korea to name just a few countries. With over 35 years’ of experience resting on his shoulders, he is highly respected by the Sri Lankan and international shipping community as well as clients, from whom he has received numerous commendations for his meticulous service.

Rishantha Mendis is Managing Director of Prudential Shipping, Helanka Vacations and Premium Trading & Logistics. Whilst overlooking and guiding the entire company on a day-to-day basis including the development, expansion, and diversification of the business, as well as its investments, he’s particularly involved in overseeing corporate marketing and promotions. Rishantha was awarded a Bachelor's Degree, BA(Hons) in Business Management and a Master’s Degree, MSc Finance and Business from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.Joining Prudential Shipping, initially as an intern, he rose quickly through four management levels before being invited to join the Board of Directors. Rishantha is an Associate Member of The Chartered Management Institute UK (CMI-UK), and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT-UK); a member of SKAL, The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and The National Trust of Sri Lanka. He also sits on the executive committee of Young Ship Sri Lanka of CASA (Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents) as Vice Chairman. His international experience includes working in Singapore and Dubai for short periods at Ship Owner hub offices.

 Port Agent

At Prudential Shipping, we offer comprehensive Port Agent services tailored to meet the diverse needs of vessel owners across various sectors, including:

• Container
• Break Bulk
• RO-RO
• Tanker
• Passenger/Yacht
• Naval Vessels

Whether you require cargo-related agency services or owner's protection and husbandry services, we ensure seamless operations from arrival to departure. Our robust client communications network, operating 24/7, ensures prompt response and enables you to capitalize on emerging opportunities, saving both time and costs. With longstanding relationships with regulatory bodies, port authorities, and customs officials, we facilitate efficient clearances and compliance. Our strength lies in the breadth and depth of our service portfolio, empowering us to transform your vessel servicing experience and consistently surpass your expectations.

Ship to Ship (STS)

At Prudential Shipping, we excel in ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations in Sri Lankan waters, backed by extensive expertise and a proven track record in global STS operations. Our strong reputation with local authorities ensures smooth and timely coordination, facilitating cost-saving solutions for our clients. Available 24/7, we prioritize operational efficiency and safety, supported by our comprehensive understanding of the marine environment and strategic STS locations. Equipped with state-of-the-art STS gear including fenders, fiber ropes, flexible hoses, and other essential accessories, we guarantee secure and efficient cargo and fuel transfers at sea

Ship Chartering and Brokering

Prudential Shipping specializes in ship chartering and brokering, offering resourceful and professional services that are both timely and cost-effective. Our business philosophy is centered on establishing mutually beneficial relationships that drive prosperity and growth.

At Prudential Shipping, we believe in forming partnerships built on trust, reliability, and professionalism. Our mission is to provide superior, efficient, and timely services, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for our clients.

NVOCC Agents

Prudential Shipping is a resourceful company committed to delivering professional shipping services that are timely and cost-effective. We emerge through a business philosophy keen on establishing mutually beneficial business relationships for prosperity and growth in tandem.

We also specialize as NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) Agents. Our excellence in this sector has been recognized with a Gold Award in the national NLA Awards for the Ocean Carriers NVOCC Sector.

At Prudential Shipping, it is not just a business transaction we enter into with our clients but a partnership built on trust, reliability, and professionalism. Our reason for being has been the ability to provide superior, cost-effective, efficient, and timely services; an experience one may liken to sailing into smoother waters.

 Maritime security

Maritime security is a growing issue in this region and it’s important that preventative measures are implemented to safeguard the vessel, crew, and goods in transit.

We offer efficient services for security teams whether they are armed or unarmed.

Our highly competent and efficient logistics services include:

• Embarkation and disembarkation
• Airport/seaport entry visa arrangements for all nationalities
• Customs clearance and transfer of professional equipment
• Transport and hotel accommodation
• Transfer/storage of weapons (subject to approval)
• Not only do we provide a unique and personalized service, our highly trained logistics agents are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Peace of mind is what’s wanted. Peace of mind is what we deliver.

Offshore Logistics

Energy. The power to keep the world moving and where downtime can be devastating. Sri Lanka will soon become an oil producing nation with the upcoming development in the Oil & Gas Industry.

Prudential Shipping is geared to deliver a totally integrated and cost-effective service to both gas & oil exploration and production facilities to minimize downtime.

Integrated Logistics Services

As well as delivering urgent shipments and spares from the vendor to the rig, platform or vessel, we also provide

• Global sea & air freight
• Import & export compliance
• Customs clearance
• Secure warehousing & transport

Marine Services

We are also an end-to-end supplier of essential marine supply services including

• Crew, technicians and Executive transfers
• Visa facilitation
• Accommodation
• Transport via land, sea & air
• Provisions and stores supply
• Onboard waste removal
• Bunkering, Rigs and offshore craft maintenance

Standing on the ramparts of the historic Galle Fort one can see how important this East-West shipping route is round the southern tip of Sri Lanka simply by counting the vessels on the horizon.

So, if services are required, no delays can be tolerated.

Which is why we offer an off-port limit launch service to service vessels on this critical route on a 24/7 basis.

We supply a wide range of facilities either at inner anchorage or up to 15 miles offshore. Vessels do not have to be at anchor either as we can service the vessel whilst underway.

• Crew changes
• Landing emergency cases including medical
• Delivery of provisions and spares
• Bunkering facilities
• Embarkation and disembarkation of repair teams
• Embarkation and disembarkation of security teams and equipment
• 24 hours a day and 365 days a year service
• Carrying capacity of 15-25 passengers
• Deck capacity of up to 4MT of cargo

We offer these services at all ports of Sri Lanka.