Neil Marine

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HISTORY

SINCE 1969

NEIL MARINE HISTORY AND FOUNDER

Sri Lanka, a naturally resource-rich island, is home to untapped treasures, including vast marine resources. Among these, the fishing industry has always been of great importance. However, 50 years ago, fishermen faced challenges like venturing safely into deep seas at lower costs while aiming for larger harvests.

Mr. Neil Fernando, whose passion for boat building was evident even in the early 1960s, began his career as an apprentice with Walkers & Sons under European management. His dream of crafting boats led him to create his first one, which he lent to a fisherman for testing. That night, filled with nervous anticipation, he lay in a canoe, staring at the sky and awaiting the boat’s return. By dawn, the boat returned safely with an impressive catch. The fisherman’s praise for its quality motivated Neil to pursue boat building, focusing on supporting local fishermen.

This marked the beginning of Neil Fernando & Company, established on the Negombo Lagoon waterfront. As pioneers in manufacturing FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) boats in Sri Lanka, the company initially catered to local fishermen. The brand “Neil Marine” soon became synonymous with stability, durability, and safety, driving demand not only locally but also from international markets like the Maldives.

MR. NEIL FERNANDO

To meet the growing demand, the company expanded its main boatyard in Negombo, setting a strong foundation for its future success. Years of experience in the boat industry and the adoption of advanced technologies have significantly enhanced the durability, strength, and safety of boats built by Neil Fernando & Company. These advancements have enabled vessels to operate economically in deeper seas for extended periods, ensuring the safety and success of fishermen. The company’s commitment to excellence attracted customers from Africa and Europe, including projects sponsored by the United Nations to supply boats to African countries. With the growth of the travel and tourism industry in the region, foreign demand increased, leading to the establishment of Neil Fernando & Company Private Limited in 1999 under BOI status. This expansion aimed to better serve international markets. Through relentless innovation and dedication, the company steadily expanded its international clientele, leading to the establishment of two additional production facilities in Beruwala and Chilaw. Neil Fernando & Company, along with its private limited counterpart, has produced and sold approximately 39,000 vessels. Today, it stands as one of South Asia’s leading boat manufacturers and exporters.

The company has partnered with renowned clients worldwide over the years, exporting boats to countries such as the UK, Holland, Norway, and Australia using both their designs and custom-made models.

OUR PARTNERS

  • WYATT AND FREEMAN, UK
  • DOUGLAS HINGE AND ASSOCIATES, UK
  • MENKEN MARITIEM, HOLLAND
  • MARTIN DE JAGER, HOLLAND
  • DP MARINE, AUSTRALIA
  • OCEAN WIDE SAFETY AT SEA, HOLLAND
  • FISHER MOTOR BOATS, UK
  • FISHER YACHTS INTERNATIONAL, UK
  • BODEN BOAT PLANS, AUSTRALIA