Colombo Port terminal operators assure uninterrupted work conditions

Sri Lanka’s main port terminal operators this week assured global shipping lines and other customers of the Colombo Port of uninterrupted operations and at normal and expected levels despite the economic and political crisis situation in the country.

The statement was signed jointly by the management of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the two private sector terminals, Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd (CICT), South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT), together with CASA (Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents).

Continued and unhindered operations at the Port is also receiving attention at the highest level of the Government of Sri Lanka consequent to the appointment of the new Prime Minister last week.

“The Port of Colombo (POC), being identified as an essential service catering to vital transshipment, exports, imports and related logistics services which are the backbone of the economy of Sri Lanka, has received and is assured of an uninterrupted supply of electricity and fuel to maintain the demand required,” the statement said.

Ports and shipping services are essential service exports and contribute immensely to the Sri Lankan economy and hence the shipping community recognises and stresses the importance of Colombo as a regional transshipment hub.

Inter-terminal trucking between terminals and transport for logistics services to move domestic laden and empty containers are receiving priority and connections for transshipment containers are able to make their targeted on carriers without misses.

“Clearance of imports and export shipments are moving at desired levels notwithstanding delays in the clearance of some import cargoes due to a shortage of foreign currency. The Port trade unions acknowledge the vital importance of the sector for economic sustenance and revival of the country and the management of the SLPA and the private terminals, CICT and SAGT are confident that they would be in a position to meet the economic challenges and ensure service delivery to customers,” the statement said.

In terms of performance, the POC continues to grow year on year and figures for the first four months up to April 2022 reflect an overall growth in volumes of 100,356 TEU (4.3 per cent) and in transshipment 92,099 TEU (5 per cent) over the same period of 2021.

The POC is recording steady progress while continuing to play a pivotal role as a regional transshipment hub with strategic intent and plans well underway to expand capacity and services to continue to evolve as a regional shipping centre second to none.