May volume at Colombo Port lowest in a year

Volume handled in the Port of Colombo in May has slipped to its lowest in a year, according to latest data.

Total throughput at the Colombo Port amounted to 334,061 TEUs in May this year, down by 5.5% over a year earlier figure of 353,745 TEUs and 1.75% from 340,038 TEUs in April 2011. The current year’s May performance was the lowest since the June 2010 volume of 330,603 TEUs.

The dip in May is owing to lower transhipment handled amounting to 242,758 TEUs, lower by 6% over 258,660 TEUs handled in April, whilst in comparison to the May 2010 volume of 266,568 TEUs, it was lower by 9%. The May 2011 transhipment figure is also lowest since the February 2010 figure of 226,497 TEUs.

Industry analysts expressed concern over the dip in May as well as wavering performance during 2011 so far owing to low productivity levels.

SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama when contacted said that the dip in May was owing to temporary disruption as a result of the introduction of new yard equipment.

“Volume and productivity have improved in June,” he added.

However, it appears disruption had no effect on handling of domestic (import and export) boxes.

The port handled 85,072 TEUs in May 2011, up from 76,903 TEUs a year earlier and 76,452 TEUs in April 2011.

Overall the port in the first five months of 2011 had handled 1.75 million TEUs, up 4% over 1.68 million TEUs handled in the corresponding period of last year.