The construction of the Colombo Port’s third container terminal is scheduled to be completed and operative by 2016. The US $ 500 million project will be undertaken in three stages, with the first stage expected to be completed by 2013.
Perceived as a PPP venture, the expansion will increase the number of liners calling the port.
The terminal will enable Sri Lanka to obtain the capacity needed to entertain largest triple E class vessels which were not seen entering the port in the past.
The harbor basin will now be able to accommodate and handle 18 meter draft.
With the 600 meter terminal Sri Lanka will be the only port in South Asia to handle large vessels what will boost the country’s shipping industry.
A 400 meter berth will also be constructed to increase the capacity in a bid to address the immediate needs in the port capacity to be completed by 2013 at the Colombo South harbor terminal.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, December 21, 2011