• Rapid growth in regional container volumes expected to drive quick profitability
• First phase now operational, adding 1.6 m TEUs to Port of Colombo capacity

Colombo’s Adani-John Keells-owned West Container Terminal (WCT) is expected to achieve a cash-positive position within the first year of operations due to the rapid growth in regional container volumes and demand, John Keells Holdings (JKH) said.

In their 2024/25 annual report, JKH said that the first phase of the WCT, which is Colombo’s first automated deep-water terminal, commenced its commercial operations in the March quarter.

JKH said that given the anticipated rapid growth in regional container volumes and demand, the terminal has the potential to achieve a cash-positive position within the first year of operations, subject to the impacts on regional and global trade dynamics.

“Similarly, as growth accelerates quarter on quarter, it is expected that the run rate of volumes in the fourth quarter, if market dynamics remain, will enable earnings to be at breakeven,” JKH said in their annual report.

WCT welcomed its inaugural test vessel in February 2025 and received a mothership from a leading global shipping liner in April, which showcased its full operational capability.

The first phase of operations will increase the overall capacity of the Port of Colombo by 1.6 million TEUs, once scaled up.

“The throughput to date has been encouraging, and this momentum is expected to accelerate over the coming quarters,” JKH said.

The full completion of construction of the terminal is on track for the second half of 2026/27, and once fully operational, the terminal is expected to provide approximately 300 direct and 2,000 indirect employment opportunities.

JKH has a 34% stake in WCT and has so far invested Rs. 6.81 billion in the construction of the terminal. The terminal is expected to have a full capacity of around 3.2 million TEUs once fully operational.