Galle Harbour History and Modern Developments

Galle Harbour has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC, with the ancient city of Galle being a major trading hub in the Indian Ocean.

The harbour was a key location for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, who all fought for control of the city.

Galle Harbour was a major trading hub, with the city's strategic location making it an ideal spot for merchants to exchange goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones.

Today, Galle Harbour is still a bustling hub of activity, with fishing boats and cargo ships coming and going throughout the day.

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Galle Harbour has a rich history dating back to pre-Christian times, when it was already an important harbour in the country. It gained significant importance after the 12th century and by the 14th century, it was the most important harbour in Sri Lanka.

Galle Harbour retained its importance until 1873, when an artificial harbour was built in Colombo. This marked a shift in the country's maritime trade, with international traffic moving from Galle to Colombo.

The construction of Galle Fort in the 17th century made Galle Port a major port in the Indian Ocean for over 200 years, serving as an important anchorage for boats and ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

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Galle Harbour has been in use since pre-Christian times, and its importance grew after the 12th century.

By the 14th century, Galle Harbour was the most important harbour in Sri Lanka, a title it held until 1873 when an artificial harbour was built in Colombo.

Galle Harbour was a major port in the Indian Ocean for over 200 years after the construction of Galle Fort in the 17th century.

The harbour was an important anchorage for boats and ships traveling between Europe and Asia, making it a vital stopover for international trade.

The British colonial government's construction of breakwaters in Colombo Harbour in the late 19th century led to a shift in international marine traffic from Galle to Colombo.

As a result, Galle Port became a secondary port of the country, handling some ships and boats, but no longer the primary hub it once was.

Here's a brief timeline of Galle Harbour's importance:

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has planned to develop the existing Port of Galle to accommodate the increasing demand for freight handling for Sri Lanka as well as an international regional destination.

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The proposed development includes the construction of a deep water passenger vessel terminal and breakwaters, which will help to dredge the entrance channel and basin. This will contribute to the economic development of the country.

Some of the facilities provided at Galle Port were damaged during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The proposed development aims to provide a fully fledged yacht marina for the Galle Port.

SLPA expects to provide berthing facilities to passenger vessels of 300 m (980 ft) in length and cargo vessels of 200 m (660 ft) in length with this project. This will be achieved by constructing breakwaters to cover the effects of waves in the Galle bay area.

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Galle Harbour is a bustling hub of maritime activity, with a variety of ships and vessels calling at its port.

The harbour is home to a range of vessels, including crude oil tankers, LNG tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships. These vessels come in all shapes and sizes, with the largest being the PLATA SOUTH Crude Oil Tanker, which measures 333 meters in length and 60 meters in width.

The ships in the harbour are a mix of old and new, with some vessels dating back to the 1980s, like the MERIDIAN 1 Utility Vessel, built in 1989. Others, like the SAGA FLORAGeneral Cargo Ship, are more modern, having been built in 2018.

Some of the vessels in the harbour are used for specific tasks, such as the GALLE ENERGY Offshore Tug/Supply Ship, which is used for offshore operations. Others, like the MSC EYRA II Container Ship, are designed for carrying cargo.

When it comes to container facilities, Galle Port has a specific focus.

Galle Port primarily focuses on non-containerized cargo handling.

The port's facilities are geared towards handling cargo that doesn't come in standard shipping containers.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Charges are crucial components of maritime and port operations. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is responsible for setting and enforcing these charges.

For information on port rates and charges, refer to the SLPA's Tariff Charges booklet, which can be accessed through the link: https://www.slpa.lk/uploads/article_attachment/attachment_2022_05_04_16516462931651646460.pdf.

The Tariff Charges booklet contains the applicable rates for the year 2022, which are serviced by SLPA-approved ports under section 37(1) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act No. 51 of 1979.

Take a look at this: Competent Harbour Authority

The PLATA SOUTH, a Crude Oil Tanker, was last reported in port on April 23 at 16:19. It was built in 2009 and has a Gross Tonnage (GT) of 162,706 and a Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 321,300.

The largest ship in port is the PLATA SOUTH, measuring 333 meters in length and 60 meters in width. It's impressive to see such large vessels docked in the harbor.

The GALLE ENERGY, an Offshore Tug/Supply Ship, was also in port on April 23, with a GT of 103 and a DWT of 20.

Here's a list of some of the ships currently in port, along with their details:

The smallest ship in port is the GALLE ENERGY, measuring only 23 meters in length and 6 meters in width.

Galle Harbour is a safe and secure port, thanks to the Sri Lankan Navy, which is responsible for ensuring port security. The Sri Lankan Navy takes its job very seriously and has implemented various measures to prevent any potential threats.

The harbour is ISPS compliant, which means it meets the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code standards. This is a big deal, as it ensures that the harbour is secure and meets international security standards.

The current ISPS level is at Level 1, which is considered normal. This means that there are no heightened or exceptional security measures in place, and the harbour is operating as usual.

You can rest assured that police boats are present in the harbour, providing an extra layer of security. Fire engines are also on hand, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.

Here's a quick rundown of the harbour's security features:

The approach to Galle is relatively straightforward, with the channel to the port marked by buoys.

Yachts should anchor outside the harbour entrance, waiting for navy clearance or a suitable berth to be allocated.

Galle Harbour is a treasure trove for maritime archaeologists, with many ship wrecks from the colonial era scattered around the bay. The area is particularly rich in history, with notable ship wrecks like the East Indiaman Avondster (1659) and the VOC shipwreck Hercules (1661) waiting to be explored.

The Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund has been conducting extensive research in the Galle harbour area, uncovering the secrets of the past. Their efforts have helped to shed light on the history of maritime transportation in the region.

The Galle Harbour area is home to several ship wrecks, including Dolfijn (1663), Barbesteijn (1735), and the Geinwens (1776). These wrecks provide a unique glimpse into the lives of sailors and traders who navigated the waters centuries ago.

Sri Lanka's first underwater museum is located in the Galle Harbour area, at a depth of around 15 m (49 ft). Established by the Sri Lanka Navy in June 2020, it offers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience for marine archaeology enthusiasts.

The sculptures in the underwater museum are designed to form an artificial coral reef over time, enhancing the marine life of the Galle harbour area. This innovative approach to conservation and education is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.

The presence of a port, such as Galle Port, is a testament to the strategic importance of the area in maritime trade and commerce.

The approach to Galle is relatively straightforward, with the channel to the port marked by buoys.

Arriving yachts should anchor outside the harbour entrance, waiting for navy clearance or a suitable berth to be allocated. This is because you need permission to anchor off, so it's best to wait for clearance before dropping anchor.

To anchor, head near the yellow buoys opposite the entrance, allowing room for ships to manoeuvre in and out.

Most yachts move to behind Watering Point for a calm and peaceful night's sleep, then move back next morning to be near the harbour entrance in order to enter.

Arriving at Galle's harbour requires some planning. You'll need to radio Port Control to arrange for the navy to clear you for entry, and it's best to do this during daylight hours as night entry is prohibited.

To make things easier, consider contacting Windsor Yacht Services on Channel 69 one hour before arrival to arrange for an agent to meet you. Alternatively, you can reach out to GAC Shipping on VHF Channel 71, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a fixed fee of $US200, which includes 30 days alongside a pontoon.

You'll need to clear customs through your appointed agent, who will also handle health inspections and ensure you comply with port and immigration regulations. Make sure you have sufficient funds in foreign exchange for fees and that all port dues and customs duties are settled before departure.

To complete the arrival process, have the following documents ready: yacht details and registration papers, clearance certificate from the previous port, and a detailed crew list. A port authority official will come to your yacht during office hours (0800-1200, 1300-1600 Monday to Friday) to fill in an arrival report.