CICT attracts new service to Port of Colombo

Monday, 15 July 2013 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo International Container Terminals, the first deep water terminal in the Port of Colombo, delivered on its promise and commenced operations on 1 July 2013. Following closely on the heels of commencing operations on schedule, the terminal achieved another milestone by introducing a new service to the Port of Colombo.

This new shipping service is operated by Taiwan-based Yang Ming Line. The previous CGX service operated by Yang Ming Line stopped calling at Colombo almost three years ago. However, with the opening of the first deep water terminal in the Colombo South harbour, Yang Ming Line has decided to revive this service and re-focus its attention in the Port of Colombo, with a view of enhancing their hubbing activities in Colombo. Shipping industry sources said that with the emerging market of India playing the role of the cargo catchment basin for South Asia, CICT has brought a totally new dimension to the regional shipping network. They were very positive that CICT commencing operations as scheduled was a significant achievement for the Port of Colombo, as this would drive up the confidence levels of the shipping lines. Furthermore, the commencement of this new service is ample testimony to the potential that is in store for Colombo. CICT sources were confident that with the backing of their parent company China Merchant Holdings International (CMHI), who has now been identified as one of the top global container terminal operators, they would develop more synergies among the container terminals within their control. CMHI also has controlling interests in large industrial and logistics parks which could bring in more value additions to the product delivered by CICT.