Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), one of the premier terminals under development in Sri Lanka, is on track for planned development with the upcoming arrival of new equipment to enhance its operational capacity at the Port of Colombo.
On 1 December, the terminal will welcome a new batch of state-of-the-art equipment, which includes two Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and three Yard Gantry Cranes (CRMGs), as part of its ongoing development.
The terminal is progressing steadily in line with its project development plans, nearing the completion of its first phase. Key infrastructure milestones have been achieved, including the completion of the 600-metre jetty deck, which has already received previous equipment vessels. The MV GHT Marinas has set sail, carrying the new STS cranes and Yard Gantry Cranes, with the vessels expected to berth at CWIT on 1 December.
With this delivery, CWIT’s fleet of equipment will be significantly strengthened, bringing the total number of STS cranes to four and Yard Gantry Cranes to 11, adding to the existing two STS and eight CRMGS cranes that are already under Commissioning. The terminal is also preparing to receive an additional four STS cranes in January 2025 which will increase the total STS count to 8 along with Yard Gantry Cranes increasing to 18.
The commissioning of this advanced equipment is well underway, and CWIT is on track to begin commercial operations by Q1 2025. This will allow Port of Colombo to significantly increase its capacity, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and trade partners to tap into the port’s enhanced operational capabilities. Commencement of CWIT Operations will support the growing demand for container handling and ensure smooth facilitation for international shipping lines.
“The Sri Lanka CWIT project is progressing as planned. Phase 1 of the project is on schedule and is nearing completion. It will become commercially operational by Q1 2025. We already see business opportunities with the trade for quick ramp up of CWIT port operations,” CWIT officials confirmed.
The development of CWIT aligns perfectly with the broader development plans for the Port of Colombo, which is on a trajectory to double its container handling capacity over the next two years. With an ambitious goal of reaching 15 million TEUs by 2026, the development of CWIT and the Port of Colombo will ensure Sri Lanka remains a key trans-shipment hub for global trade.
FT