Colombo Port’s CWIT receives equipment boost with new cranes
The Morning: Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) is on track for its planned development with the upcoming arrival of new equipment to enhance its operational capacity at the Port of Colombo.
On 1 December, the terminal welcomed a new batch of state-of-the-art equipment, which includes two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and three-yard gantry cranes (CRMGs), as part of its ongoing development.
The terminal is progressing steadily in line with its project development plans, nearing the completion of its first phase.
Key infrastructure milestones have been achieved, including the completion of the 600 m jetty deck, which has already received equipment vessels previously. The MV GHT Marinas has set sail, carrying the new STS cranes and Yard Gantry Cranes, with the vessel expected to berth at CWIT on 1 December.
With this delivery, CWIT’s fleet of equipment will be significantly strengthened, bringing the total number of STS cranes to four and yard gantry cranes to 11, adding to the existing two STS and eight CRMG cranes that are already under commissioning.
The terminal is also preparing to receive an additional four STS cranes in January 2025 which will increase the total STS count to eight along with yard gantry cranes increasing to 18.
The commissioning of this advanced equipment is well underway, and CWIT is on track to begin commercial operations by Q1 2025. This will allow the Port of Colombo to significantly increase its capacity, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and trade partners to tap into the port’s enhanced operational capabilities.
Commencement of CWIT Operations will support the growing demand for container handling and ensure smooth facilitation for international shipping lines.
“The Sri Lanka CWIT project is progressing as planned. Phase 1 of the project is on schedule and is nearing completion. It will become commercially operational by Q1 2025. We already see business opportunities with the trade for a quick ramp up of CWIT port operations” CWIT officials confirmed.
With an ambitious goal of reaching 15 million TEUs by 2026, the development of CWIT and the Port of Colombo will ensure Sri Lanka remains a key trans-shipment hub for global trade.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is fast becoming a hotspot for business/investment opportunities, especially in the ports, shipping and logistics sectors. The country’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean in close proximity to international maritime lanes and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed with many foreign countries have all helped boost Sri Lanka’s maritime industry. All these have also made Sri Lanka push to become a maritime hub in the South Asian region. The growth in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry has undoubtedly opened up business/investment opportunities in many expansion porgrammes in the ports, shipping and logistics sectors. The interest shown by many international businesses like China Harbour Engineering Company with Sri Lanka being prominently featured in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s Adani Group indicate the growing business potential in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore be assured of the lucrative nature in engaging in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry and related sectors. The steady growth in the maritime industry would also ensure that the opportunities would also witness a parallel growth presenting more lucrative business opportunities.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20241204/Z_3 |