Colombo port activities to increase rapidly

Colombo Port will reach its maximum throughput capacity of 4.5m teu by 2012. By then, the first phase of the new south harbour terminal will be ready, adding an initial 2.5m teu capacity. Three more terminals with a capacity of 2.5m teu each will also be added by 2020.

Construction of the Hambantota Port Phase I has progressed well and 80% percent of the work is complete with the first vessel scheduled to enter the Port in November, 2010. Hambantota Port is a greenfield industrial marine development that will cater to bulk shipments and overall industrial activities. The facility is unique as it was constructed in an enclosed lagoon under dry conditions, significantly lowering construction costs. The harbour was opened to the sea and flooded in September and port should be operational from end 2010.

The first phase will include facilities for oil and LPG storage, bunkering, ship repair, ship building, crew changing, cement manufacturing, fertilizer bagging, factory operations, bulk cargo handling, and roll-on-roll-off services. Phase II of the project is expected to include facilities for vehicle assembly, additional warehousing and container handling.