Adani Ports Doubles Colombo Terminal Capacity with USD 750mn Boost
Adani Ports completes USD 750 million expansion of Colombo West International Terminal, doubling its capacity to 3.2 million TEUs.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has reached a massive milestone in its international operations by doubling the capacity of the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT). Following a significant USD 750 million Phase II expansion, the terminal's handling capacity has surged from 1.6 million to 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
This strategic move is designed to solidify Colombo's status as a premier transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean. The expansion was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, marking a new era for the port's operational capabilities.
A Major Leap for Sri Lankan Maritime Ambitions
The increased capacity is set to play a pivotal role in the Port of Colombo's long-term goals. With this expansion, CWIT is positioned to manage nearly 25 per cent of the total 13 million TEU capacity targeted by the Port of Colombo by 2028.
Key technical upgrades include:
- Enhanced Berthing: The terminal can now simultaneously berth three ultra-large container vessels.
- Trade Route Strength: Improved ability to service massive vessels operating on the critical East-West trade route.
- Automation: CWIT stands as Sri Lanka's first fully automated deep-water container terminal.
- Sustainability: The facility is designed for fully electrified operations to serve large-scale shipping.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya highlighted that such investments are vital for the nation. She noted that the CWIT project is driving job creation, attracting global commerce, and enhancing Sri Lanka's competitiveness as a maritime and logistics powerhouse.
Rapid Growth and Operational Excellence
The terminal has demonstrated exceptional growth since it began operations. After becoming the fastest terminal at the Port of Colombo to hit the 1 million TEU mark within its first year in 2024, it has now successfully handled 2 million TEUs within just 18 months of operation.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO of APSEZ, described the capacity doubling as a clear sign of confidence from both the company and global shipping lines. He emphasized that Phase II is a landmark achievement for APSEZ's international portfolio, strengthening its presence across key Indian Ocean trade corridors.
A Successful Partnership Model
The CWIT project is a result of a 35-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) concession involving APSEZ, John Keells Holdings, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, noted that the rapid achievement of the 2 million TEU milestone reflects the strength of this tripartite partnership.
Beyond its economic impact, the terminal has also made significant strides in safety and employment:
- Job Creation: The project has generated over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Safety Record: The terminal has recorded an impressive 17 million safe working hours.
This expansion adds further weight to APSEZ's growing global footprint, which already includes port operations in Australia, Israel, and Tanzania.