(Commonwealth_ The container vessel MV EVER ARM made a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s maritime history by making its first call at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) on September 5, 2024. This ultra-large container ship, part of Evergreen’s fleet, operates on the China-Europe-Mediterranean (CEM) route and sails under the Taiwanese flag. Its arrival at the CECT terminal, which is operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), represents a major achievement for the port and signals its growing role in global maritime trade.
MV EVER ARM is a state-of-the-art vessel designed to meet modern shipping demands. Measuring 400 meters in length and 60 meters in width, it has an impressive summer draft of 17.027 meters, making it one of the largest vessels to call at the Port of Colombo. Its advanced propulsion system contributes to greater operational efficiency and enhances its cargo-carrying capacity. Built in 2022 by Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. at their Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, MV EVER ARM has a gross tonnage of 235,579 and a deadweight capacity of 241,960 metric tonnes. The vessel is capable of accommodating up to 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a testament to its massive scale and modern design.
The Colombo East Container Terminal is equipped to handle ships of this size, and the operation of MV EVER ARM at the terminal underscores the advancements in the port’s infrastructure. CECT’s 55-meter-high ship-to-shore cranes played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations during the vessel’s stay at the Port of Colombo. These cranes, combined with the terminal’s deep-water capacity, allow for efficient handling of ultra-large container vessels like MV EVER ARM, contributing to the port’s ability to meet the increasing demands of international maritime trade.
MV EVER ARM’s arrival in Colombo followed its departure from Rotterdam Maasvlakte and, after successful operations at CECT, it is now en route to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The vessel’s call further reinforces the Port of Colombo’s status as a strategic hub on the global shipping map.
Commenting on the event, SLPA Chairman Mr. Keith D. Bernard highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the growing confidence the global shipping, maritime, and logistics sectors have in the Port of Colombo. He noted that the call of MV EVER ARM is a testament to the SLPA’s commitment to modernization and its ability to meet the challenges of the present and future global maritime sector. According to Mr. Bernard, the port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, technology, and skilled personnel that enable it to efficiently handle even the largest container ships.
SLPA’s Additional Managing Director (Operations), Mr. Lal Weerasinghe, echoed these sentiments, describing the vessel’s call as a landmark achievement for the Port of Colombo and a reflection of the excellence that the SLPA and its facilities offer. He further noted that the arrival of MV EVER ARM showcases the cutting-edge technology and infrastructure at CECT, a newly commissioned deep-water terminal that plays a key role in the port’s expanding capabilities. This modern terminal positions the Port of Colombo to handle the latest generation of ultra-large container ships, allowing it to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding global trade environment.
The first call of MV EVER ARM at CECT is not just a milestone for the SLPA but also a demonstration of the port’s strategic importance in the global maritime trade network. The successful handling of the vessel highlights the efficiency, technological sophistication, and operational capacity of the Port of Colombo, solidifying its role as a premier hub for international trade.
