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Colombo Port operations at ‘normal’ level despite crisis

25 May 2022

  • SLPA, CICT, SAGT, CASA assure uninterrupted operation amidst rumours otherwise
  • Claims port operations receive ‘highest level’ of attention from Govt.
    Denying speculation that shipping lines have decided to omit the Colombo Port due to the ongoing economic crisis, shipping services are at normal and expected levels in the Port of Colombo, according to the industry. A joint statement was issued by the Sri lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) along with Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd. (CICT), South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt.) Ltd. (SAGT), and Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) yesterday (24), refuting rumours that claim otherwise.  The statement read that the management of the SLPA and the terminals, CICT, and SAGT, together with CASA, assure global shipping lines and operators of container and conventional services of operations being carried out without interruption. Several sources claimed that as a result of political unrest on 10 May, the Colombo Port was temporarily closed and several vessels diverted the route to Ennore Port in India unable to dock at the Colombo Port. Further, these claims noted that the main line operators are now looking to ports in India, Singapore, and Port Kelang to avoid Colombo. Meanwhile, feeder vessel operators who still use the Colombo Port have said the volume of goods transported through this port has decreased significantly, and that it might drop further in future, sources claimed. However, the statement further said that continued and unhindered operations at the port are also receiving attention at the highest level of the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), consequent to the appointment of a new Prime Minister last week.  “Inter-terminal trucking between terminals and transport for logistics services to move domestic laden and empty containers are receiving priority, and connections for transshipment containers are able to make their targets on carriers without misses. Clearance of imports and export shipments are moving at desired levels, notwithstanding delays in the clearance of some import cargoes due to a shortage of foreign currency,” it stated.   The port trade unions acknowledge the vital importance of the sector for economic sustenance and revival of the country and the management of SLPA and the private terminals, CICT, and SAGT are confident that they would be in a position to meet the economic challenges and ensure service delivery to customers. In terms of performance, the 0ort of Colombo continues to grow, and figures for the first four months up to April 2022 reflect an overall growth in volumes of 100,356 TEU (4.3%) and in transhipment of 92,099 TEU (5%) over the same period of 2021 – recording steady progress while continuing to play a pivotal role as a regional transhipment hub with strategic intent. The Port of Colombo (POC), being identified as an essential service, catering to vital transshipment, exports, imports, and related logistics services, has received and is assured of an uninterrupted supply of electricity and fuel to maintain the demand required, the operators stated. Shipping services are essential service exports and contribute immensely to the Sri Lankan economy and hence the shipping community stresses the importance of Colombo as a regional transhipment hub, they concluded. 


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