Sri Lanka - 2.1.1 Port of Colombo

Sri Lanka - 2.1.1 Port of Colombo

Port Overview

Colombo Port is the largest seaport in Sri Lanka and a rapidly growing maritime hub of the South Asia Region. It efficiently connects cargo originating from and destined to various regions such as Europe, East and South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa. Colombo Port also plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between Sri Lanka and Maldives, serving as the primary transhipment hub for most of the cargo destined for Malé.

The Colombo Port is primarily a container port. It ranks among the top 25 ports globally. It is renowned as one of the busiest container ports, with an annual handling capacity of approximately 7 million TEUs. The port processed 7.25 million TEUs in 2021 and 6.86 million TEUs in 2022. Also, the Colombo post has five major terminal facilities and a conventional berth operated by private or government operators.

•     Jaya Container Terminal (JCT)

•     East Container Terminal (ECT)

•     South Asia Gateway Terminal

•     Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT)

•     Unity Container Terminal

•     West Container Terminal (WCT, under construction)

Port website: https://www.slpa.lk/port-colombo/colombo

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

 

Port Location and Contact

Country

Sri Lanka

Province or District

Colombo

Nearest Town or City

with Distance from Port

Colombo (5 km)

Port's Complete Name

Colombo Port

Latitude

6.939561

Longitude

79.846080

Managing Company or Port Authority

Sri Lanka Ports Authority

Management Contact Person

Mr. Keith D. Bernard

(Chairman)

T.P: +94 11 2325559,

Fax: +94 11 2451916

Email: chairman@slpa.lk

Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures

Bandaranaike International Airport; Sri Lankan Airlines

Port Picture

 image-20240514122818-1

image-20240514122818-2

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The terminal operating companies at the port of Colombo are Sri Lanka ports Authority, South Asian Gateway Terminal (Pvt) Ltd and Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd. These companies provide facilities like providing infrastructure for loading and unloading, navigating, and storing. For clearance Sri Lanka customs office provide services of screening and adding taxes. Other than that, there is Sri Lanka Navy to provide security and Premier shipping (Pvt) Ltd to provide stevedoring services.

Managing Company

Terminal

Status

Comments

Sri Lanka Ports Authority

Jaya container terminal

Public

 

East Container Terminal

Public

 

West Container Terminal

Public

Constructions to be completed in 2025

Unity Container Terminal

Public

 

South Asia Gateway Terminal (Pvt) Ltd

South Asia Gateway Terminal

Public-private partnerships

 

Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd

Colombo International Container Terminal

Public-private partnerships

 

 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

Seasonal Constraints

 

Occurs

Time Frame

Rainy Season

Yes

May to September

Major Import Campaigns

N/A

N/A

Other Comments

Rough sea conditions during the South-west monsoon.

 

Handling Figures for 2022

Vessel Calls

3,648

Container Traffic (TEUs)

6,860,000

 

Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2021

Bulk (MT)

37,362,000

Break bulk (MT)

858,000

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please refer to the following link: https://www.slpa.lk/uploads/article_attachment/attachment_2022_05_04_16516462931651646460.pdf. This booklet contains the Tariff Charges applicable for the year 2022, to all Ports, serviced by Sri Lanka Ports Authority approved, under section 37(1) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act No. 51 of 1979.

Berthing Specifications

Jaya Container terminal

Type of Berth

Quantity

Length

(m)

Maximum

Draft (m)

Comments

Conventional Berth

      

 

Container Berth

4

1,292

12-15

 

Silo Berth

      

 

Berthing Tugs

      

 

Water Barges

      

 

East Container terminal (ECT) Stage - I

Type of Berth

Quantity

Length

(m)

Maximum

Draft (m)

Comments

Conventional Berth

      

 

Container Berth

1

450

18

 

Silo Berth

      

 

Berthing Tugs

      

 

Water Barges

      

 

South Asia Gateway Terminal

Type of Berth

Quantity

Length

(m)

Maximum

Draft (m)

Comments

Conventional Berth

      

 

Container Berth

3

940

15

 

Silo Berth

      

 

Berthing Tugs

      

 

Water Barges

      

 

Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT)

Type of Berth

Quantity

Length

(m)

Maximum

Draft (m)

Comments

Conventional Berth

      

 

Container Berth

4

1,200

18

 

Silo Berth

      

 

Berthing Tugs

      

 

Water Barges

      

 

Unity Container terminal

Type of Berth

Quantity

Length

(m)

Maximum

Draft (m)

Comments

Conventional Berth

      

 

Container Berth

2

590

  

 

Silo Berth

      

 

Berthing Tugs

      

 

Water Barges

      

 

 

More information at: https://www.slpa.lk/port-colombo/terminals

General Cargo Handling Berths

Cargo Type

Berth Identification

Imports - Bagged Cargo

1

Exports - Bagged Cargo

N/A

Imports and Exports - RoRo

N/A

Other Imports

N/A

Port Handling Equipment

Jaya Container terminal

Port handling equipment is managed by Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Equipment

Available

Total Quantity and Capacity Available

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage

Dockside Crane

Yes

14; N/A

Panamax & Super Post Panamax

Container Gantries

No

    

Mobile Cranes

Yes

4; N/A

  

Reachstacker

Yes

2; N/A

  

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer)

Yes

100; N/A

  

Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines

No

    

Transtainer

Yes

50; N/A

  

Forklifts

No

    

East Container terminal (ECT) Stage - I

Port handling equipment is managed by Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Equipment

Available

Total Quantity and Capacity Available

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage

Dockside Crane

Yes

3; 65 MT

Under spreader

Container Gantries

Yes

N/A; 80 MT

Twin Lift; under cargo beam

Mobile Cranes

No

    

Reachstacker

No

    

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer)

Yes

21; N/A

  

Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines

No

    

Transtainer

Yes

12; N/A

1 over 4

Forklifts

No

    

South Asia Gateway Terminal

Port handling equipment is managed by South Asian Gateway Terminal (Pvt) Ltd.

Equipment

Available

Total Quantity and Capacity Available

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage

Dockside Crane

Yes

12; N/A

3 x Post Panamax: 45m from C/L quayside rail; Lifting Height:35.5m above quay

6 x Super Post Panamax (Single Lift): 51m from C/L quayside rail; Lifting Height: 41m above quay

3 x Super Post Panamax (Twin Lift): 52m from C/L quayside rail; Lifting Height: 41m above quay

Container Gantries

No

    

Mobile Cranes

No

    

Reachstacker

Yes

2 x 40 MT

1 x Terex; 1 x Kalmar

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer)

Yes

70 x 80 MT

2 x 50 MT

62 x 50 MT

10 x 50 MT

Terminal Tractors: 70 x Terberg; 2 x Kalma Ottawa Commando 50

Terminal Trailers: 62 x Dutch Lanka - 40' Trailer; 10 x Tantry

Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines

No

    

Transtainer

Yes

31; N/A

  

Forklifts

Yes

1 x 38 MT

Full container Fantuzzi

Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT)

Port handling equipment is managed by Colombo International Container Terminal (Pvt) Ltd.

Equipment

Available

Total Quantity and Capacity Available

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage

Dockside Crane

Yes

12; 65 MT (under spreader) or 75 MT (under hook beam)

Max lifting height above rail 45 metres

Max lifting height below rail 18 metres

QGC outreach 70 metres (23 rows across)

Maximum lifting capacity under spreader – 65000 Kgs

Maximum lifting capacity under hook beam – 75000 Kgs

Container Gantries

No

    

Mobile Cranes

No

    

Reachstacker

Yes

6; N/A

2 x Reach Stacker

4 x Empty Handler

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer)

Yes

72; N/A

  

Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines

No

    

Transtainer

Yes

40; 40.5 MT

6 rows into 6 tiers yard stacking capacity with over one high passing

Hybrid technology which supports green port concept

Forklifts

No

    

Unity Container terminal

Port handling equipment is managed by Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Equipment

Available

Total Quantity and Capacity Available

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage

Dockside Crane

Yes

3; N/A

  

Container Gantries

No

    

Mobile Cranes

No

    

Reachstacker

No

    

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer)

Yes

50

Terminal Tractors

Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines

No

    

Transtainer

Yes

8; N/A

  

Forklifts

No

    

 

More information at: https://www.slpa.lk/port-colombo/terminals

Container Facilities

Colombo Port provides many container facilities such as consolidation, storage facilities and handling. The port can handle 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft containers, and these facilities are provided by 3 companies that oversee 4 terminals. The facilities are in good condition.

Jaya Container terminal

Facilities

20 ft

40 ft

Container Facilities Available

45,000 TEUs of dry container capacity

N/A

Container Freight Station (CFS)

N/A

N/A

Refrigerated Container Stations

1,260 TEUs

N/A

Other Capacity Details

45.5 Hectares

N/A

Daily Take Off Capacity
(Containers per Day)

N/A

N/A

Number of Reefer Stations
(Connection Points)

N/A

N/A

Emergency Take-off Capacity

N/A

N/A

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift
(Containers per Shift)

N/A

N/A

East Container Terminal Stage - I

Facilities

20 ft

40 ft

Container Facilities Available

Yes

N/A

Container Freight Station (CFS)

N/A

N/A

Refrigerated Container Stations

Yes

N/A

Other Capacity Details

N/A

N/A

Daily Take Off Capacity
(Containers per Day)

N/A

N/A

Number of Reefer Stations
(Connection Points)

N/A

N/A

Emergency Take-off Capacity

N/A

N/A

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift
(Containers per Shift)

N/A

N/A

South Asia Gateway Terminal

Facilities

20 ft

40 ft

Container Facilities Available

N/A

N/A

Container Freight Station (CFS)

N/A

N/A

Refrigerated Container Stations

N/A

N/A

Other Capacity Details

12 Hectares

N/A

Daily Take Off Capacity
(Containers per Day)

N/A

N/A

Number of Reefer Stations
(Connection Points)

540

N/A

Emergency Take-off Capacity

N/A

N/A

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift
(Containers per Shift)

N/A

N/A

Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT)

Facilities

20 ft

40 ft

Container Facilities Available

2,400,000 TEUs of design capacity

N/A

Container Freight Station (CFS)

N/A

N/A

Refrigerated Container Stations

540

N/A

Other Capacity Details

58 Hectares

N/A

Daily Take Off Capacity
(Containers per Day)

N/A

N/A

Number of Reefer Stations
(Connection Points)

N/A

N/A

Emergency Take-off Capacity

N/A

N/A

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift
(Containers per Shift)

N/A

N/A

Unity Container Terminal

Facilities

20 ft

40 ft

Container Facilities Available

8,000 TEUs of dry container capacity

N/A

Container Freight Station (CFS)

N/A

N/A

Refrigerated Container Stations

N/A

N/A

Other Capacity Details

1.53 Hectares

N/A

Daily Take Off Capacity
(Containers per Day)

N/A

N/A

Number of Reefer Stations
(Connection Points)

N/A

N/A

Emergency Take-off Capacity

N/A

N/A

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift
(Containers per Shift)

N/A

N/A

 

More information at: https://www.slpa.lk/port-colombo/terminals

Customs Guidance

Sri Lanka customs headquarters is located at a walking distance from the port of Colombo. The customs administration is a department coming under the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media. The main activities of the customs at the port are Collection of revenue, prevention of revenue leakages and other frauds, facilitation of legitimate trade, collection of import and export data to provide statistics and cooperation and coordination with other Government Departments and stakeholders in respect of imports and exports. Before importing or exporting goods, custom declaration document should be submitted along with other documents. (Information regarding the documents needed is available at: https://www.customs.gov.lk/business/). The Customs Declaration (CusDec) is an important document which should be produced to the customs. It is a document based on the internationally recognized Single Administrative Document (SAD).

For more information on customs in Sri Lanka, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

The only multipurpose terminal available in the Port of Colombo is the Unity terminal operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It includes 2 container berths and 1 multipurpose berth.

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

N/A

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

Warehouses are available for cargo bonding.

  • Accept the storage of all varieties of goods other than dangerous & perishable goods.
  • Cool Room facility is available at B1 Bonded Warehouse (125 m2).
  • 24Hrs. Security service provided.
  • Entrepot operations can be carried out in front of B1 Bonded Warehouse.
  • Small processing on re-export cargo such as repacking and re-labeling can be done at BQ II Bonded Warehouse.

Bonded Warehouse

Area (m2)

Cool Room (m2)

B1

1,300

125

Canal Yard

2,320

 

T2

1,720

 

T3

190

 

BQ II

715

 

Stevedoring

Stevedoring services at Colombo Port are provided by Premier Shipping (Pvt) Ltd., a privately-owned company that serves as the port's stevedoring contractor. The services available encompass freight forwarding, chartering, ship bunkering, offshore management, supply of stores and provisions, as well as acting as a shipping agent. For further information, please visit the company’s website at: https://www.premierlk.com/shipping/home

Hinterland Information

Goods are transported out of the port using container trucks. There are several private sector container freight stations, such as DHL Global Forwarding Lanka Pvt Ltd., Ace Distriparks Pvt Ltd., Logilink Pvt Ltd., Expo Lanka Freight, Maersk Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., and Global Transportation and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd., each equipped with their own trucks. Transportation is usually seamless, thanks to Colombo's well-established road network. However, traffic congestion can be a challenge in areas with heavy commercial activity during peak hours.

Port Security

Colombo Port, which follows the security standards established according to the SOLAS convention of IMO (International Maritime Organization), is compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as stated in this convention. The security of Colombo Port is entrusted to the Sri Lankan Navy, which began in 2004 with the establishment of a navy base at the port. The security team is responsible for monitoring the vehicles and individuals entering and exiting the port. Depending on the country's situation, security methods may vary, and CCTV cameras are currently employed. In case of a fire emergency, Colombo Port has a special ship specifically designed and equipped to deal with such situations.

 

Security

ISPS Compliant

Yes

Current ISPS Level
(Level 1 = Normal, Level 2 = Heightened, Level 3 = Exceptional)

1

Police Boats

Yes

Fire Engines

Yes