The Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) has significantly enhanced its operational capacity with the addition of three new Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, bringing its total to nine.
This expansion enables the terminal to handle a broader range of vessels, regardless of size.
This development is a key initiative by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to bolster the nation’s position as a leading maritime hub in the Indian Ocean.
Once fully operational by mid-2025, the CECT is expected to handle up to 3.5 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.
With a berth length of 1,320 meters and water depths of 18 to 20 meters, the terminal is equipped to support larger vessels, promoting regional economic growth through increased trade activity.
In 2024, SLPA terminals recorded a historic throughput of 2.41 million TEUs, reflecting their vital role in the Port of Colombo’s performance. Combined with partner terminals, the port reached a milestone total throughput of 7.78 million TEUs, reaffirming its significance as a major gateway for international trade.
Key contributors included the South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), which handled 2.02 million TEUs, and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), which led with 3.35 million TEUs, capitalizing on its deep-water capabilities.
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