The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a revised strategy for procuring tug vessels to support operations at Colombo Port, aligning with the progress of the new terminal expected to be completed later this year.
The revised plan involves renting two 80-ton bollard pull tug vessels to address immediate operational needs of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) after previous procurement attempts faced challenges. Initially, in October 2022, international competitive bids were invited for an 80-ton bollard pull tug vessel, with the contract recommended to the lowest responsive bidder. However, the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on 1 January 2024 increased the procurement cost, and attempts to negotiate a loan-based agreement with the supplier failed, leading to the discontinuation of the process.
Considering the construction timeline of the new terminal, the Cabinet also approved initiating a new procurement process for two 70-ton bollard pull twin azimuth stern drive harbor tugs. These vessels are essential for operations at the terminal scheduled to begin mid-2025.
The proposal was presented by Transport, Highways, Port and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake and received Cabinet approval.