Colombo Port handled nearly 6.2 million TEU in the first nine months of 2025, a rise of 6.7 per cent from a year earlier, as Sri Lanka pursues port expansion and digitsation despite ship omissions disrupting industry, reports Colombo's Daily FT.
Central Bank data show September throughput rose 14.4 per cent year on year to 742,116 TEU, broadly unchanged from August. Transshipment volumes reached 4.94 million TEU in the nine-month period, up 4.8 per cent and accounting for 80 per cent of the total. September transshipment stood at 584,863 TEU, up 13.1 per cent year on year but slightly down from August.
Domestic handling increased 13.6 per cent to 971,875 TEU in the first nine months. September domestic volumes rose 12.6 per cent year on year to 113,551 TEU, little changed from August. Re-stowing posted the strongest gains, jumping 20 per cent to 267,231 TEU in the period, with September rising 42.4 per cent year on year to 43,702 TEU.
Vessel calls across Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and Hambantota climbed 12.6 per cent to 3,792 in the first nine months. September recorded 457 calls, up nineteen point six per cent year on year and stable month on month. The Government aims to strengthen Colombo�� logistics role through capacity expansion, including Phase II of the Western Container Terminal with Asian Development Bank support and preparatory work on the Colombo North Port Development Project.
Digitalisation measures such as the Port Community System are being scaled up, alongside new trade facilitation sites at Kerawalapitiya and Bloemendal. However, exporters warned that recurring vessel omissions are causing shortages of inputs, missed deadlines and higher costs. The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association urged the government and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to improve yard efficiency, inter-terminal transfers and road connectivity, and to expedite the East and West Container Terminals.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251100000887
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