APSEZ’s Colombo Terminal Handles A Million Containers In Its First Year

Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a joint venture including APSEZ, John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, has handled over 1 million TEUs in its first year. The fully automated, deep-water facility at the Port of Colombo marks a major step in expanding regional transshipment capacity and APSEZ's international footprint.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has achieved a significant milestone with its Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka handling over one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within its first year of operations.

The terminal, which commenced operations in April 2025 at the Port of Colombo, has recorded the fastest ramp-up in the port’s history. The achievement highlights the growing importance of the Indian Ocean Region in global trade and reflects APSEZ’s expanding international footprint.

CWIT is a joint venture involving APSEZ, Sri Lanka-based John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The project, with an investment of around 800 million dollars, is among the most significant port infrastructure developments in Sri Lanka in recent years.

The terminal’s strong performance comes as Colombo continues to strengthen its position as a key transshipment hub, connecting cargo flows across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Its strategic location near major east-west shipping routes has made it a preferred destination for global shipping lines.

Industry experts note that container terminals typically take several years to reach stable operational levels. However, CWIT’s rapid scale-up reflects efficient operations, strong alignment with shipping partners and the advantage of being part of an established transshipment ecosystem.

The Colombo West International Terminal is also the first fully automated deep-water terminal at the Port of Colombo. It is designed to handle ultra-large container vessels, supported by a 1,400-metre quay and a depth of around 20 metres. With an annual handling capacity of approximately 3.2 million TEUs, the facility significantly enhances the port’s overall capacity.

The terminal is equipped with advanced digital systems, modern cranes and electrified yard equipment aimed at improving efficiency, reducing turnaround time and supporting environmentally sustainable operations.

The milestone further reinforces Colombo’s role in global shipping networks, with a substantial portion of cargo linked to Indian trade. For APSEZ, which operates a network of ports across India and overseas, the project marks a key step in strengthening its global presence.

The company said the partnership combines international operational expertise with local institutional support, positioning the terminal as a strategic asset in an evolving global trade landscape.