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
|
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Country
|
Sri Lanka
|
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Province or District
|
Colombo
|
---|
Nearest Town or City
with Distance from Port
|
Colombo (5 km)
|
---|
Port's Complete Name
|
Colombo Port
|
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Latitude
|
6.939561
|
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Longitude
|
79.846080
|
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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
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
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
|
---|