Fast track ECT at the Colombo Port
Sri Lanka’s shipping industry wants the government to fast track infrastructure development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) and carry out the digitalisation of services at the Colombo Port.
The ECT is currently operational with only three cranes of the six cranes that were purchased for the terminal. In addition 20 rail mounted
gantries are yet to be made used once the yard is fully operational.
Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA) Chairman Shano Sabar speaking to The Sunday Times Business said that they want the authorities to mainly expedite the whole ECT project without delay and ensure the completion of the entire terminal.
He pointed out that once this terminal becomes operational together with the West Container Terminal (WCT) it would help to double the current capacity at the port that is currently at 7 million TEUs.
The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) becomes operational by the first quarter of next year and it would add up a million TEUs to the capacity.
When asked whether the ECT needs to be run by another party, Mr. Sabar stated that Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) already has the necessary expertise to run the terminal. In this respect, they are capable of running the operations on their own. ECT is said to reach completion by 2026.
With the two new terminals coming into operation it is likely to become a hub and can help further enhance the position of the Colombo Port.
He also highlighted that the digitalisation process must be carried out that will help to create a paperless environment with the Colombo Port, he said.
Mr. Sabar noted that existing delays could be minimised and efficiencies improved on. CASA has requested for a meeting with the newly-appointed minister handling ports.
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