The Adani-John Keells-owned West Container Terminal (WCT) at the Port of Colombo is poised to achieve a cash-positive position within its first year of operations, backed by robust growth in regional container volumes and strong early momentum, according to the latest annual report from John Keells Holdings (JKH).
Commercial operations for the first phase of WCT, Sri Lanka’s first automated deep-water terminal, began in the March 2025 quarter, significantly boosting the Port of Colombo’s capacity.
Strong Early Performance and Growth Outlook
JKH highlighted that the expected surge in container demand across the region is likely to push WCT to break even by the fourth quarter, assuming favorable market dynamics continue. The terminal’s inaugural test vessel docked in February 2025, followed by the successful handling of a mothership in April, affirming its readiness for full-scale operations.
“The throughput to date has been encouraging, and this momentum is expected to accelerate over the coming quarters,” the report noted.
Boost to Colombo’s Port Capacity
With the first phase now operational, WCT has added 1.6 million TEUs to Colombo’s overall port capacity. Once the full development is completed in the second half of 2026/27, the terminal will have a total capacity of 3.2 million TEUs.
In addition to enhancing trade capabilities, the terminal is projected to generate around 300 direct and 2,000 indirect employment opportunities, strengthening Colombo’s position as a key logistics hub in South Asia.
JKH currently holds a 34% stake in the project and has invested Rs. 6.81 billion so far in its development.