Maersk to increase container handling in Sri Lanka

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Government would facilitate multi-national companies such as Maersk A/S to expand container transshipment through the Port of Colombo, as it would be of immense help to the Sri Lankan economy. 

Furthermore, Maersk handles 20% of Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) or containers at the Port of Colombo and a bulk of Sri Lanka’s imports and export freight. 

Maersk Chief Executive Officer Soren Skou called on President Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday and briefed the President on expansion plans of Maersk’s container handling in Sri Lanka. 

He said that Maersk’s business partner, South Asia Getaway Terminal Ltd. is holding discussions with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) regarding the expansion of container transshipments in Sri Lanka. He said that a large segment of transshipments through the Port of Colombo is for the Indian subcontinent.

Senior Director of Maersk (South Asia) A. P. Moller, John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra, South Asia Gateway Terminal CEO Romesh David and Additional Secretary to the President Esala Weerakoon were also present at this discussion.