Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), backed by India’s Adani Ports and Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings, is delivering “spectacular” early performance with container volumes rising faster than typically seen at new terminals, Chief Executive Munish Kanwar has said.
The first two berths of the three-berth facility are now operational, equipped with eight ship-to-shore (STS) cranes capable of simultaneously handling two large container vessels or a mix of one large and two smaller ships.
Kanwar said CWIT’s growth has exceeded expectations since its commercial operations began in April. “Within just four months, we have achieved throughput of more than 100,000 TEUs – probably a global record,” he noted. Productivity levels have also surged, with moves per hour climbing to 22–23 within seven months, and the target set to exceed 25 by year-end. At full maturity, the terminal aims to reach 28–30 moves per hour.
CWIT has already attracted several schedule-sensitive services, including Gemini Corporation, the Hapag-Lloyd–Maersk collaboration.
Automated Operations, Diversifying Workforce
The terminal marks a shift towards advanced automation in South Asia, eliminating the need for operators perched in crane cabins. Instead, crane operators work from spacious, air-conditioned control rooms equipped with visual interfaces and joysticks.
Around 20 per cent of the operational workforce comprises women, with plans to increase the share.
“Since Sri Lanka had no experienced candidates for automated terminals, we partnered with universities and trained freshers at Adani terminals,” said Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer at CWIT. Many women who began on yard cranes are now being upgraded to handle STS cranes.
Ahead of Schedule Despite Challenges
Despite supply disruptions caused by the pandemic and Sri Lanka’s currency crisis, the construction timeline remains ahead of schedule. While 800 metres of the 1,400-metre quay is completed, the remaining 600 metres will be ready by December 2025. Six more STS cranes are due between June and July 2026.
“Phase two is supposed to be completed by February 2027,” Kanwar said. “But judging by the pace of work, we expect full completion by December 2026 – three months early.”
With two berths already functioning, CWIT is projected to handle 950,000 to 1,000,000 TEUs by March 2025.
Driving Colombo’s Growth
CWIT is expected to contribute about half of the Port of Colombo’s growth this year as total throughput rises to 8.3 million TEUs from 7.8 million. Congestion driven by the Red Sea crisis has led some shipping lines to bypass Colombo, but volumes are now shifting towards CWIT, Kanwar said.
In the longer term, transshipment demand from India and Bangladesh is expected to fill CWIT’s full 3.2 million TEU capacity within three years. India alone adds 6–7 per cent growth annually, handling 25 million TEUs last year.
“Colombo is ideally placed as a regional transshipment hub,” Kanwar said. “Its connectivity with both the East and West, and proximity to India, make it a highly viable location.”
Even with new terminals emerging in India, Kanwar believes capacity additions will not keep pace with trade growth, strengthening Colombo’s role.
Long-Term Vision
Addressing current bottlenecks, Kanwar said efforts are underway to improve marine-side operations and inter-terminal transfers. “The direction is good,” he added.
He also praised joint venture partner John Keells Holdings for its long-term commitment to the port’s development. “John Keells has previously invested in Colombo’s first private terminal. Their vision goes beyond short-term profits,” he said.
With Colombo’s master plan projecting capacity expansions comparable to major global hubs such as Singapore over the next 15–20 years, Kanwar said Adani would be keen to continue investing. “We want to be associated with the Port of Colombo and see its success story extend well beyond WCT 1.”
