Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has recorded a major milestone with its Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Colombo handling more than one million TEUs within its first year of operations.
Commissioned in April 2025, the terminal has registered the fastest ramp-up in the history of the Port of Colombo. This achievement places CWIT among a select group of global container terminals that have reached such operational scale within their inaugural year.
The terminal is a joint venture involving APSEZ, John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
With an investment of approximately $800 million, the project represents one of the most significant port infrastructure developments in Sri Lanka in recent years.
The collaboration combines APSEZ’s operational expertise with strong local institutional support, enabling efficient execution and rapid scaling.
The milestone comes as Colombo continues to consolidate its position as a key transhipment hub connecting cargo flows across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Its proximity to major east–west shipping routes makes it a preferred destination for both mainline vessels and feeder services.
A substantial share of the terminal’s cargo is linked to India, reinforcing the importance of seamless connectivity and operational efficiency.
Container terminals typically require several years to stabilise and reach optimal throughput levels. CWIT’s rapid growth, however, reflects early alignment with global shipping lines, improved berth productivity and the advantages of operating within an established maritime ecosystem.
CWIT has achieved comparable utilisation levels in a significantly shorter timeframe. This is in comparison to other international terminals. These include automated facilities in Europe and East Asia.
CWIT stands out as the first fully automated deep-water terminal at the Port of Colombo.
Designed to handle ultra-large container vessels, it features a 1,400-metre quay and a water depth of around 20 metres.
With an annual capacity of approximately 3.2 million TEUs, the facility significantly enhances Colombo’s cargo-handling capabilities. Its advanced digital systems, modern cranes and electrified yard equipment are aimed at improving efficiency while reducing vessel turnaround time.
The terminal’s strong early performance highlights Colombo’s growing importance in global shipping networks and the wider Indian Ocean Region. It also aligns with global trends towards automation and energy-efficient port operations.
APSEZ operates an extensive network of ports across India and overseas. For the company, the project marks a significant step in expanding its international footprint. It also strengthens its position in global maritime trade.
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