Adani Ports Launches New Colombo West International Terminal

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has officially commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka’s Port of Colombo. The terminal, developed as part of a consortium agreement, is set to bolster Colombo’s position as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.

Under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement, APSEZ, along with Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), invested $800 million in the CWIT project. The terminal boasts a 1,400-meter quay length and a 20-meter depth, enabling it to handle around 3.2 million TEU annually. Notably, CWIT is the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, promising improved cargo handling efficiency and quicker vessel turnaround times.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed pride in the regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, emphasizing the global significance of CWIT’s inauguration. Despite facing allegations of a bribery scheme, which Adani vehemently denies, the project proceeded without a $500 million loan guarantee from the U.S government, relying instead on internal company financing.

With its entry into the competitive Colombo port scene, CWIT will vie for cargo business with established players like the China-backed Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) and SLPA’s Jaye Container Terminal and East Container Terminal. These terminals collectively handled 7.7 million TEUs in 2023, with CICT leading the pack at 3.3 million TEUs.

As CWIT gears up for operations, it aims to carve out its niche in the bustling port industry, offering modern facilities and enhanced efficiency to attract global shipping lines. The terminal’s strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure position it as a key player in the region’s maritime landscape.