- Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya inaugurates USD 750-million Phase II expansion
- APSEZ terminal targets nearly one-fourth of Colombo Port’s 13-million-TEU goal by 2028
- Three ultra-large container ships can now berth simultaneously at CWIT
- Terminal crosses 2-million-TEU milestone within just 18 months of operations
- Fully automated deep-water facility strengthens Colombo’s East-West trade corridor role
- APSEZ-JKH-SLPA partnership has generated more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
COLOMBO, OCT 1
Sri Lanka is positioning Colombo for a larger role in Indian Ocean trade with the USD 750-million Phase II expansion of Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), which has doubled the terminal’s capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs and enabled it to handle three ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the expansion, marking a significant new phase for the terminal developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) under a 35-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession.
With its expanded capacity, CWIT aims to handle nearly 25% of the Port of Colombo’s targeted 13 million TEU capacity by 2028, strengthening the port’s position along the strategic East-West maritime trade route.
The terminal has already marked a significant operational milestone, handling 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months. This follows its earlier distinction of becoming the fastest terminal at the Port of Colombo to handle 1 million TEUs within its inaugural year in 2024.
‘A milestone for Sri Lanka’s economic future’
“The success of Colombo West International Terminal demonstrates what Sri Lanka can achieve when bold vision, trusted partnerships and modern infrastructure come together. Reaching 2 million TEUs in record time and commencing Phase II today is not just a milestone for the Port of Colombo, but a milestone for our nation’s economic future,” Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said.
“As Sri Lanka strengthens its position at the crossroads of global trade, investments such as CWIT are creating jobs, attracting international commerce, enhancing competitiveness, and reinforcing our ambition to become the leading maritime and logistics hub of the Indian Ocean,” she added.
The additional capacity will allow CWIT to simultaneously berth three ultra-large container vessels, enhancing its ability to serve major shipping lines and strengthening Colombo’s role as a transshipment hub connecting key global trade routes.
APSEZ sees strategic international expansion
“Doubling CWIT’s capacity to 3.2 million TEUs with a USD 750 Mn investment is a direct statement of confidence from APSEZ and from the global shipping lines,” Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO, APSEZ, said.
“Phase II is a landmark for APSEZ’s international portfolio and sharpens our position across the Indian Ocean’s key trade corridors. With expanded capacity, full automation and deep-water infrastructure, CWIT is built to be Colombo’s premier transshipment gateway and contribute to EXIM cargo in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson, John Keells Group, said the 2-million-TEU milestone reflected the strength of the partnership behind the terminal.
“This is an important milestone for CWIT and for the Port of Colombo. Reaching 2 million TEUs in just 18 months is a strong reflection of what this partnership has been able to achieve,” Balendra said.
“With the expansion of the terminal, we see an even greater opportunity to strengthen Colombo’s position as a key transshipment hub and support Sri Lanka’s growth as an important centre for trade in the region. We are pleased to be part of this journey alongside APSEZ and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority,” he added.
Automation, electrification at the core
CWIT is Sri Lanka’s first fully automated deep-water container terminal, designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels. Its operations are fully electrified and designed for zero tailpipe emissions.
The terminal has also recorded 17 million safe working hours, highlighting its operational and workforce safety performance.
The APSEZ-JKH-SLPA project has generated more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, adding an employment dimension to the terminal’s expanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
With Phase II now doubling its capacity, CWIT is set to play a larger role in Colombo’s ambition to expand its container-handling capabilities and consolidate the port’s position as a major transshipment gateway in the Indian Ocean.
