The Port of Colombo (POC) has seen a robust 24% surge in container volumes topping the 2 million TEUs mark in the first quarter of 2024.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said in tandem with this surge, the overall transhipment volume at Colombo port reached 1,729,314 TEUs during the first quarter, representing a significant growth of 24.20% compared to the same period last year.
The SLPA noted the growth underscores the Port of Colombo’s prowess in attracting higher volumes and solidifies its position as a premier shipping hub in the region.
Container volume handling by SLPA terminals rose higher by 48% year on year to 652,766 TEUs in 1Q.
The upsurge in container volumes was attributed to various factors, including the ongoing Red Sea crisis and its wider implications. SLPA’s transhipment volume during the first three months of this year increased by 49.81% to 582,403 TEUs year-on-year (YoY).
SLPA Chairman Keith D. Bernard said that the port is poised to become a key transhipment serving the Middle East, as many shipping lines are rerouting vessels to avoid prevailing risks in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
“SLPA staff and workers have handled this situation diligently and efficiently, in the face of challenges,” he added.
Bernard also said that the completion of the East Container Terminal (ECT) Stage II and the acquisition of new ship-to-shore cranes will further boost POC’s standing as a leading shipping hub in the region.
“These new cranes will enable the port to handle ultra-large GMX 24 ships, paving the way for accommodating higher volumes in the future,” the SLPA Chairman added.
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