The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Keith D. Bernard, has announced that the Colombo Port is set to achieve its best performance ever this year, attributing this success to several factors including the recent infrastructure developments and measures taken to boost productivity. Bernard highlighted a significant increase in container movements (TUIs) and revenue, with TUI volumes rising by an impressive 48% in the first quarter compared to the previous year, reaching 652,766 TEUs.
The Red Sea crisis has led vessels to choose Colombo Port as a strategic transit point, particularly for routes to the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, due to Sri Lanka’s favorable geographical location. To meet the growing demand, the port has requested and received six out of twelve carinas from China to enhance operational efficiency, with the rest expected to arrive by the year’s end. These carinas are deployed at the Colombo East Contender Terminal (ECT), while yellow cranes have been relocated to the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT).
Further advancements include the completion of East Container Terminal (ECT) Stage II and the acquisition of new ship-to-shore cranes, positioning the Port of Colombo (POC) as a prominent shipping hub in the region. With developments like a new 120-meter length berth at JCT and upgraded infrastructure capable of handling ultra-large GMX 24 ships, the port aims to handle higher volumes and solidify its status as a key transshipment hub, especially amid shifts in global shipping routes to avoid risks in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.