2 hrs ago
Adani Ports doubles Colombo terminal capacity with $750 million
Sri Lanka opened a major expansion at Colombo West International Terminal on Thursday.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone invested $750 million in the project.
The expansion doubles the terminal’s capacity to 3.2 million shipping containers per year.
The terminal has already handled 2 million containers in its first 18 months.
It is designed for very large ships and can serve three of them at the same time.
The terminal is fully automated and uses electric equipment.
Leaders say the project can create jobs and bring more trade to Sri Lanka.
They also hope it will make Colombo a leading shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the $750 million expansion of Colombo West International Terminal.
The Phase II expansion doubles terminal capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs.
Colombo West International Terminal aims to handle nearly 25% of the Port of Colombo’s 13 million-TEU target by 2028.
The terminal handled 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months of operation after reaching 1 million TEUs in its inaugural year.
The expanded terminal can berth three ultra-large container vessels simultaneously and uses automated, fully electrified operations.
- Who
- Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, John Keells Group, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority are associated with the project.
- What
- The $750 million Phase II expansion of Colombo West International Terminal doubled its capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs.
- Where
- Colombo West International Terminal at the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- When
- The expansion was inaugurated on Thursday; the terminal reached 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months of operation.
- Why
- The expansion is intended to increase transshipment capacity, support Sri Lanka’s trade, and strengthen Colombo’s position on the East-West trade route.
Key facts
- Investment
- $750 million
- Capacity
- Increased from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs
- 2028 target
- Nearly 25% of the Port of Colombo’s 13 million-TEU target
- Operating milestone
- 2 million TEUs handled within the first 18 months
- Vessel handling
- Three ultra-large container vessels can be berthed simultaneously
- Terminal technology
- Fully automated, deep-water, fully electrified operations with zero tailpipe emissions
Quotes
Krishan Balendra
Chairperson of John Keells Group
“With the expansion of the terminal, we see an even greater opportunity to strengthen Colombo’s position as a key transshipment hub and support Sri Lanka’s growth as an important centre for trade in the region. We are pleased to be part of this journey alongside APSEZ and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.”
thehansindia.com
“Doubling CWIT's capacity to 3.2 million TEUs with a USD 750 million investment is a direct statement of confidence from APSEZ and from the global shipping lines. Phase II is a landmark for APSEZ's international portfolio and sharpens our position across the Indian Ocean's key trade corridors.”
thehansindia.com
Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
“The success of Colombo West International Terminal demonstrates what Sri Lanka can achieve when bold vision, trusted partnerships and modern infrastructure come together. Reaching 2 million TEUs in record time and commencing Phase II today is not just a milestone for the Port of Colombo, but a milestone for our nation's economic future.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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