Colombo Port records 13% growth in vessel arrivals 

By Waruni Paranagamage

 Ship arrivals at the Colombo port in the first 11 months have increased by 13% to 3,854 in comparison to the corresponding period of last year.

According to Ports and Shipping Ministry data, the overall container ship arrivals to the Colombo Port have increased by 12.7% to 3,333 in 2015. The bulk cargo vessels arriving at Colombo port have also increased by 80% from 25 vessels to 45 vessels in 2015. In addition vessels, vehicle handling, liquid cargo, fuel transportation have increased from 328 to 359 ships showing 9.5% growth.

Ministry data further revealed that ship arrivals at Colombo Port for ‘other services’ has increased from 99 to 117 vessels by showing 18.2% of growth compared to corresponding period in 2014.   

Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said that the Colombo Port was now showing notable growth in its efficiency.

 “With the completion of the East Terminal and the West Terminal we hope that the port would be in a better position to further develop its capacity,” he added.

Noting that the Colombo Port is ranked amongst the world’s top 26 ports at present, the Minister went on to say that they intend to improve its ranking to be amongst the top 20 by the end of next year. 

 “It is a big challenge for us, but we have been given the contribution by employees; especially the trade unions have understood the difficulties of the institute and they work closely with the Government,” Ranatunga asserted.