Port of Colombo Records Historic High of 8.29 Million TEUs in 2025

The Port of #Colombo reached a defining point in 2025 by recording a throughput of 8,291,178 TEUs, the highest volume ever handled in its history. This result follows a strong performance in 2024, when the port processed 7,792,069 TEUs, and affirms Colombo’s standing as the leading container hub in South Asia. The year-on-year increase reflects disciplined investment, operational resilience and sustained confidence from global shipping lines at a time when international trade conditions remain uneven and freight networks continue to recalibrate.

This achievement is the outcome of coordinated effort across all terminals operating within the port. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals continued to provide stability and scale, handling a significant share of volumes while supporting both mainline and feeder operations. Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) sustained its role as a deep-water gateway for ultra-large container vessels, supported by high berth productivity and consistent yard performance. South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) delivered dependable service for regional and transhipment cargo, reinforcing Colombo’s role as a preferred intermediate hub. The progress at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), led by the Adani Group in partnership with local stakeholders, further strengthens future capacity and signals long-term commitment to Colombo as a strategic maritime asset of regional and international relevance.

The 2025 performance is notable not only for the volume achieved, but also for the context in which it was delivered. Global shipping networks continue to adjust to route realignments, fleet expansion and persistent cost pressures. Against this background, Colombo’s ability to attract additional vessel calls, retain transhipment volumes and improve vessel turnaround times reflects operational maturity and commercial credibility. These outcomes also point to effective coordination between terminal operators, port services, regulators and logistics partners, ensuring service continuity and reliability across the port ecosystem.

Colombo’s present-day performance is rooted in a long tradition of maritime engineering and structured planning. A well-documented chapter of its history dates back to the late nineteenth century, when the modern harbour was shaped during the British colonial period. The design and construction of the first permanent breakwater were led by Sir John Coode, one of the most respected harbour engineers of his time. His work transformed Colombo from an exposed roadstead into a sheltered deep-water port, enabling year-round operations and establishing the technical foundation for sustained growth. That early emphasis on durable marine infrastructure and long-term planning continues to inform the port’s development approach today.

Surpassing 8.29 million TEUs positions the Port of Colombo on firmer footing to expand its role within global shipping networks while supporting Sri Lanka’s wider economic objectives. Continued focus on capacity enhancement, digitalisation, workforce capability and service reliability will be central to maintaining momentum. The 2025 milestone is not an endpoint, but a clear signal that the Port of Colombo possesses the structure, partnerships and operational discipline required to perform at scale, with consistency and confidence, in an increasingly demanding global market.

Source: Adaderana