The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) delegation has visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to advance cooperation on port operations, digital innovation, and sustainability.
Organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Brussels, the visit aims to formalise a strategic MoU between the Ports of Colombo and Antwerp-Bruges, focused on digitalisation and sustainability.
SLPA Managing Director Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra led the delegation, meeting with PoABI and APEC officials, including Luc Arnouts, Vice President of International Relations.
Discussions centred on technical knowledge sharing, investment, green initiatives, and logistics development.
The group toured DP World’s highly automated Antwerp Gateway terminal and visited CMB.TECH’s Hydrogen Refuelling Station, gaining insights into digital operations and clean energy technologies.
These examples are expected to inform SLPA’s port modernisation efforts in Colombo and other ports like Galle and Trincomalee.
Colombo, South Asia’s main transshipment hub, stands to benefit from Antwerp’s expertise in terminal automation, sustainability, and hinterland connectivity.
Hemachandra said: “The Port of Colombo and our regional ports stand to benefit significantly from Antwerp’s advanced expertise in terminal operations, digital transformation, green initiatives, and sustainability frameworks.”
The MoU will formalise collaboration on training, technical exchange, and pilot projects, particularly in digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Both ports share commitments to lowering emissions, modernising infrastructure, and building resilient global supply chains.
In April, the world’s largest Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) vessel made its maiden call at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) of SLPA.