Colombo East Container Terminal (ECT) Enters Phase III Operations

The Port of Colombo has inaugurated the first full business week of 2026 with a massive leap in operational capacity. Phase III of the East Container Terminal (ECT) officially commenced operations today, a milestone that effectively redefines Sri Lanka’s role as the “Towering Tree” of Indian Ocean logistics. This new phase introduces an additional 600 meters of berth length, equipped with state-of-the-art, semi-automated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and a fleet of hybrid straddle carriers.

For global shipping lines, this expansion is a direct answer to the congestion issues that challenged the region in 2025. By doubling the terminal’s ability to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) simultaneously, Colombo is significantly reducing vessel waiting times. For local and regional freight forwarders, this translates into more predictable “window-times” and a reduced risk of rollover cargo. This expansion is not just about concrete and steel; it is about providing a “Modern Canvas” of digital integration, where the terminal operating system is now synced in real-time with the national customs platform to expedite the flow of domestic cargo.The Port of Colombo has inaugurated the first full business week of 2026 with a massive leap in operational capacity. Phase III of the East Container Terminal (ECT) officially commenced operations today, a milestone that effectively redefines Sri Lanka’s role as the “Towering Tree” of Indian Ocean logistics. This new phase introduces an additional 600 meters of berth length, equipped with state-of-the-art, semi-automated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and a fleet of hybrid straddle carriers.

For global shipping lines, this expansion is a direct answer to the congestion issues that challenged the region in 2025. By doubling the terminal’s ability to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) simultaneously, Colombo is significantly reducing vessel waiting times. For local and regional freight forwarders, this translates into more predictable “window-times” and a reduced risk of rollover cargo. This expansion is not just about concrete and steel; it is about providing a “Modern Canvas” of digital integration, where the terminal operating system is now synced in real-time with the national customs platform to expedite the flow of domestic cargo.

Source: News.lk – Phase III of ECT Commences Operations