Wedoany.com Report on Jan 31st, The third berth at the Colombo East Container Terminal has recently commenced operations at the Port of Colombo. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority held a milestone ceremony to mark the occasion, attended by senior representatives from global shipping lines such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC. These shipping companies acknowledged the terminal's recent improvements in berth efficiency, yard management, and vessel turnaround times, expressing their willingness to deepen cooperation with the Ports Authority and private operating facilities to collectively enhance overall port performance metrics.
Retired Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, expressed gratitude for the continued engagement of the shipping lines. He noted that the Colombo East Container Terminal handled over 500,000 TEUs in 2025, despite operating for part of the year with incomplete infrastructure. The activation of the third berth is expected to significantly boost the terminal's throughput. Ranasinghe stated, "This expansion further solidifies Colombo's position as a major transshipment hub." The port serves the Indian subcontinent, the Bay of Bengal, and major east-west trunk routes.
Managing Director Eng. Gannaka Hemachandra described the activation as a significant collective achievement. Construction work for the container terminal is scheduled for full completion by mid-February this year, at which point all operational systems will be integrated, enabling the terminal to function at full capacity. The facility has set a throughput target of 1.5 million TEUs for the year. Hemachandra highlighted that the steady development of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority brings tangible economic benefits, including foreign exchange earnings, increased employment, and enhanced trade connectivity.
The Colombo East Container Terminal extends approximately 1,300 meters, adding significant quay length and deep-water capability to the Port of Colombo. The terminal can accommodate large mainline vessels and is minimally affected by tides. Colombo, one of South Asia's major container ports, benefits from its proximity to key east-west shipping lanes. Modern handling equipment within the port and a diverse mix of public and private terminals operate in synergy under a unified framework. The third berth will help alleviate congestion and allow for more efficient allocation of vessel calls among terminals, thereby strengthening Colombo's reputation for reliable, high-capacity container handling. Hemachandra commended the dedication of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff and acknowledged the collaboration of other terminal operators within the port, emphasizing that this shared responsibility is crucial for maintaining Colombo's competitiveness in regional and global trade.
