Colombo Port Rises to 20th Among World’s Leading Container Ports on Record H1 Throughput

The Port of Colombo has climbed to 20th position in the global container port rankings for H1 2026, advancing from 26th at the close of 2025, according to data published by Alphaliner. The port handled 4.44 million TEUs in the first six months of 2026 — an increase of 471,981 container units over the corresponding period, representing year-on-year growth of 11.9%. The performance builds on a record 2025 during which Colombo processed approximately 8.3 million TEUs.

The ranking improvement reflects a combination of capacity additions at CWIT and the East Container Terminal (ECT), sustained transshipment volume growth, and expanding feeder connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent. For regional 3PL operators and freight forwarders, Colombo’s enhanced global standing strengthens its position as the preferred transshipment gateway for South Asian supply chains, even as the port continues to manage periodic congestion pressures stemming from geopolitical route disruptions.

Source: Hiru News – Colombo Port rises to 20th among world’s leading container ports – August 28, 2026