Colombo Port is set to double its handling capacity to 15 million TEUs by 2027, according to South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) COO Upul Jinadasa. The expansion will involve the development of the East and West Container Terminals (ECT and WCT), each expected to contribute an additional 3.5 million TEUs to the port’s overall capacity.
John Keells Holdings Transportation & Plantation Sector President Zafir Hashim stressed the need for expansion to remain competitive as new ports in India and the Middle East emerge. “Every time we added capacity, the port saw a step-up jump in demand,” Hashim explained, noting that previous expansions had consistently driven volume increases at Colombo.
Jinadasa highlighted that the port’s growth is not just physical but also technological. The implementation of autonomous trucks in mixed-traffic environments is being tested, and successful trials could revolutionize port operations. Additionally, a new terminal developed in partnership with Adani will become Sri Lanka’s first highly automated port facility, setting a new benchmark in the region.
The port’s upgrades are essential for positioning Colombo as a leading transshipment hub in Asia, with a focus on increasing efficiency, streamlining operations, and reducing reliance on manual labor. The strategic location of Colombo remains key, with its positioning at the crossroads of major global shipping routes across the Indian Ocean.
Furthermore, the port is preparing for the global shift towards decarbonization, planning to adopt alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia to comply with new environmental regulations. These efforts will boost the port’s future competitiveness and sustainability in the global shipping landscape.