Launch for Colombo port project

CPEP involves the construction of four new container terminals over a period of several years, in a project that will ultimately treble the port’s capacity. When it is completed, Colombo will have an annual capacity of approximately 12m teu compared with its current maximum of 4m teu. The port passed 3m teu for the year in December 2006, and its existing capacity will soon be exceeded.

The Sri Lankan government will own the new facility through the SLPA, which will have an equity stake in each of the new terminals. There will also be a number of public-private partnerships in the provision of terminal services.

Each new terminal will have a quay length of 1,200 m and will have either three or four berths, depending on the operator’s choice of configuration. The first terminal will be operational in 2010 and will have a nominal capacity of 2.4m teu. The others will be brought into service as needed.