COLOMBO

• LKCMB
• Latitude: 6.9535
• Longitude: 79.8465
• East Coast India
• Port in Sri Lanka

Location: Colombo Western Province Sri Lanka

Web-site: https://www.slpa.lk/port-colombo

Marine Port Description and Specification: Colombo, Sri Lanka

General Overview:

The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka. Strategically located on the southwestern shores of the island, it serves as a crucial node in global maritime trade routes, particularly for South Asia. This port handles various types of cargo, passenger services, and serves as a vital transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.

Location:

• Coordinates: 6°57′N 79°51′E
• Country: Sri Lanka
• City: Colombo

Key Facilities:

1. Terminals:

   • Jaya Container Terminal (JCT): A premier terminal handling container traffic.
   • South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT): A private terminal also dedicated to container operations.
   • Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT): Equipped with deep water berths, it handles the largest container ships globally.
   • Unity Container Terminal (UCT): Handles specific container operations to complement the larger terminals.

2. Berths:

   • Over 30 berths with specialized setups for container ships, bulk cargo carriers, and passenger vessels.

3. Handling Equipment:

   • Modern gantry cranes, rubber-tired gantries (RTGs), straddle carriers, and heavy-duty forklifts.
   • Enhanced with advanced information systems for efficient cargo handling.

4. Storage Facilities:

   • Extensive container yards with refrigerated container (reefer) points.
   • Warehouses for general and specialized cargo storage.

5. Passenger Terminal:

   • Facilities to accommodate cruise ships and passenger services, featuring modern amenities for travelers.

Specialties and Capabilities:

• Container Handling:

  • Capacity to handle millions of Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. Colombo is known for its efficient transshipment capabilities.

• Bulk and Breakbulk Cargo:

  • Facilities equipped to handle bulk commodities such as grain, coal, and cement.

• Vehicle Imports:

  • Dedicated zones for the import and export of vehicles.

• Livestock Export:

  • Specialized facilities for the safe and humane handling of livestock for export.

Logistics and Connectivity:

• Road Network:

  • Direct connections to major highways and the road network linking Colombo to key industrial and commercial zones across Sri Lanka.

• Rail Connectivity:

  • Rail services extend from the port to various parts of the country, facilitating inland cargo transport.

• Air Connectivity:

  • Close proximity to Bandaranaike International Airport (approximately 30 km north of Colombo).

Technological Innovations:

• IT Systems:

  • Integration of advanced port management information systems to streamline operations, improve efficiencies, and reduce turnaround times.

• Security:

  • High-level security measures complying with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standards.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Programs:
  • Initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint, including the use of energy-efficient equipment and sustainable water and waste management practices.

Governance and Operations:

• Management Authority:

  • Administered and overseen by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

• Operational Hours:

  • 24/7 operations to accommodate global shipping schedules.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Projects:
  • Ongoing and planned expansions to enhance capacity, including new terminals and berth enhancements to accommodate larger vessels.

Contact Information:

• Sri Lanka Ports Authority
  • Address: 19, Church Street, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
  • Phone: +94 11 242 1221
  • Website: Sri Lanka Ports Authority Website

The Port of Colombo stands as a pivotal maritime gateway in the Indian Ocean region, known for its efficiency, technological advancements, and strategic importance in global trade logistics.