Port of Colombo achieves record growth in 2024

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Terminals have reached a historic milestone as of December 31, 2024, handling over 2.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This marks a remarkable 23% growth compared to the 1.9 million TEUs handled in 2023, positioning SLPA Terminals as the highest growth contributor within the Port of Colombo.

SLPA Terminals have demonstrated their ability to handle some of the world’s largest vessels at East Container Terminal (ECT), including ships exceeding 400 meters in length and capable of carrying more than 23,000 TEUs. This accomplishment underscores the terminal’s advanced capabilities and its growing stature within the global maritime industry. In a broader context, the Port of Colombo has also achieved an all-time high, handling 7.7 million TEUs in 2024. This represents a 12.3% increase compared to the 6.9 million TEUs handled in 2023, reaffirming the port’s status as a key hub in the South Asian region and its growing appeal to international shipping lines.

Key developments and milestones at the Port of Colombo highlight its strategic growth trajectory. The Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWICT) is set to commence operations in February 2025, significantly enhancing the port’s overall capacity. Meanwhile, the semi-automated East Container Terminal (ECT) terminal, currently under development, positions SLPA Terminals to attract additional services and handle higher volumes in 2025. Looking ahead, the port’s total capacity is projected to double to 15 million TEUs by 2026, driven by improved logistics infrastructure designed to support global trade opportunities. Furthermore, in 2024, the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) managed 3.3 million TEUs, while the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) handled 2.0 million TEUs, showcasing the port’s robust and comprehensive handling capabilities.

These record-breaking achievements and strategic advancements highlight SLPA’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and its vision to position the Port of Colombo as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region. With cutting-edge infrastructure developments and an expanding capacity, the Port of Colombo is aimed at an even more significant role in the global shipping and logistics industry in the years ahead.