Sri Lanka (Commonwealth) _In 2024, the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka reached a significant milestone, handling 7,782,776 TEU in total. With 2.41 million TEU handled, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) ports reached their highest throughput ever.
Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) handled 3,351,025 TEU, while South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) handled 2,018,739 TEU.
SAGT achieved similar feats in 2018 and 2019 before surpassing the 2m TEU threshold for the third time in its 25-year history. The 2024 results demonstrate the port’s recovery and resilience in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
Colombo’s record throughput is consistent with continuous infrastructural improvements meant to boost capacity and operational effectiveness. The handling capabilities of the partially operating Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) have already been enhanced. It is anticipated to increase efficiency even more once it is fully operating later this year.
In the meantime, significant capacity will be added to accommodate the increasing demand when the first phase of the recently built Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) begins operations in 2024.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority reports that year-over-year statistics indicate significant progress over 2023, with the port’s strong performance being fueled by contributions from all three major terminals: SLPA, SAGT, and CICT. This strengthens Colombo’s standing as one of South Asia’s most important transshipment hubs.
When compared to the 1.9 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) handled in 2023, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) handling of nearly 2.4 million TEUs represents an astounding 23% increase, establishing SLPA Terminals as the Port of Colombo’s largest growth generator.
At the East Container Terminal (ECT), SLPA Terminals has proven that they can manage some of the biggest ships in the world, including those that are more than 400 meters long and have a capacity of more than 23,000 TEUs. This achievement highlights the terminal’s cutting-edge capabilities and rising prominence in the international marine sector.
On a larger scale, the Port of Colombo handled 7.7 million TEUs in 2024, setting a new record. The port’s position as a major hub in South Asia and its increasing allure for international shipping lines are confirmed by this 12.3% rise over the 6.9 million TEUs handled in 2023.
Significant events and milestones highlight the Port of Colombo’s strategic growth trajectory. When the Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWICT) opens for business in February 2025, it will greatly increase the port’s overall capacity. In the meantime, SLPA Terminals is positioned to draw in more services and manage larger volumes in 2025 with the semi-automated East Container Terminal (ECT), which is presently being developed.
By 2026, the port’s overall capacity is expected to quadruple to 15 million TEUs thanks to upgraded logistics infrastructure created to facilitate international trade. Additionally, the port’s strong and extensive handling capabilities were demonstrated in 2024 when the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) handled 2.0 million TEUs and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) handled 3.3 million TEUs.
These historic successes and tactical developments demonstrate SLPA’s steadfast dedication to operational quality and its goal of making the Port of Colombo a premier maritime and logistics hub in the area. With its modern infrastructure and growing capacity, the Port of Colombo hopes to play an even bigger part in the world’s shipping and logistics sector in the years to come.
As of December 31, 2024, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) ports have achieved a significant milestone: they have handled over 2.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), a 23 percent increase over the 1.9 million TEUs handled in 2023.
As a result of the development, SLPA Terminals is now the Port of Colombo’s largest growth contributor. At the East Container Terminal (ECT), SLPA Terminals has proven that they can manage some of the biggest ships in the world, including those that are more than 400 meters long and have a capacity of more than 23,000 TEUs.
On a larger scale, the Port of Colombo handled 7.7 million TEUs in 2024, setting a new record. The port’s position as a major hub in South Asia and its increasing allure for international shipping lines are confirmed by this 12.3% rise over the 6.9 million TEUs handled in 2023.
When the Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWICT) opens for business in February 2025, it will greatly increase the port’s overall capacity. It is anticipated that the port’s overall capacity would quadruple to 15 million TEUs in the future.
