Construction of ECT completion targeted for mid next year

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation underscores that the construction of the East Container Terminal (ECT), the largest container operations terminal in the Port of Colombo, is currently in progress.

The Sri Lanka Port Authority aims to complete its construction by the middle of next year to commence operations.

The jetty planned for this terminal will be 1,400 metres long, allowing three mega ships to berth simultaneously upon completion. The ECT will feature 12 gantry cranes and 40 transfer cranes. The Terminal’s container yard area is estimated to be 75 hectares. Designed to handle 3 million containers annually, the ECT will operate as a semi-automated terminal, incorporating digital technology.

A total of US $585 million has been allocated for the development of the terminal through financial provisions by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). China Engineering and Access Engineering are the appointed construction contractors. Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister – Nimal Siripala de Silva, made a special inspection visit at construction works of the terminal recently. The event was attended by Keith Barnard – Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Gayan Alagewattege – Vice Chairman, Managing Director – Prabath Malavige, and several other officials. During the event, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva emphasized the significance of the East Container Terminal within the Port of Colombo. He urged collaboration without disputes to ensure the immediate and quality construction of the terminal, stressing that any losses incurred would affect the port’s employees more than him.

The Minister also highlighted the potential for the Port of Colombo to be recognized as one of the main ports in Asia. He advocated for the establishment of a suitable process to position it as the hub port of Asia, attracting more ships to Colombo.

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