Colombo Port Achieves Record Container Growth

Sri Lanka’s Port of Colombo has achieved remarkable success this year, securing the highest growth rate in container volumes among leading global ports. This impressive performance has been driven by a combination of factors, including incremental gains from diversions of vessels from the Red Sea region. According to recent data, Colombo saw a significant year-on-year throughput increase of 23.6% in the first half of 2024, outpacing other major ports, including the Port of Long Beach in California, which reported a 23.3% growth during the same period.

Colombo’s strategic location and efficient operations have contributed to its rise as one of Asia’s busiest container hubs. The port is home to four key container terminals, each playing a crucial role in handling the growing cargo volumes. These include the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), which have been integral to the port’s operational success. Additionally, the East Container Terminal (ECT) further strengthens the port’s capacity and efficiency in handling an increasing number of vessels and containers.

With its advanced infrastructure, Colombo is positioned to continue its growth trajectory as a leading maritime hub. The JCT and SAGT terminals benefit from state-of-the-art technology, which ensures smooth and rapid cargo handling, making the port attractive to major global shipping lines. Together with the private-operated terminals, such as the East Container Terminal, Colombo’s capacity to manage container throughput efficiently remains unmatched, securing its competitive edge in the global shipping industry.