Port Of Colombo

Summary

The script narrates the historical and strategic importance of the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a major global logistics hub. It highlights the port's rise to prominence due to its ideal geographic location, serving as a crucial entry point to South Asia and a transshipment hub for the Indian subcontinent. The script also details the port's expansion and modernization efforts, including the establishment of high-performing terminals and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority's role in transforming the maritime sector into a key economic driver.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The port of Kalamata, now known as Colombo, has been a significant trade hub since the early 14th century, attracting merchants from China, India, and Persia due to Sri Lanka's exotic spices.
• 🌏 Sri Lanka's strategic geographic location has made it the 'Island of Seven Ports', with Colombo serving as a major global logistics hub and a crucial entry point to South Asia.
• 🔝 The Port of Colombo has been recognized as the top port in the region for connectivity, according to the Drury Port Connectivity Index.
• 🚢 As the main transshipment port for the Indian subcontinent, Colombo handles all major shipping lines and can accommodate the largest container vessels afloat.
• 🏆 The Port of Colombo is ranked among the top 30 ports in the world, with an annual volume of over seven million TEUs and an 18-meter dredged depth.
• 🛳️ The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), established in 1979, is responsible for the development and regulation of the country's port sector, with a history dating back to 1913.
• 🏗️ The SLPA has been instrumental in transforming the ports and maritime sectors into key drivers of Sri Lanka's national economy.
• 🌐 The Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) is the port's only state-owned terminal, known for its high performance over three decades.
• 🤝 South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) is the result of a successful public-private partnership, bringing performance excellence and best practices to the industry.
• 🚀 Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), managed by CM Port, is the first and only deepwater terminal in South Asia capable of handling the largest vessels.
• 📈 The Port of Colombo has ambitious expansion plans, with the aim of becoming the preeminent gateway hub in South Asia for global trade.

Q & A

What was the historical significance of the port of Kalamata, now known as Colombo, in the early 14th century?

In the early 14th century, the port of Kalamata, now called Colombo, was the first port of call for merchants from China, India, and Persia who traveled via the Silk Road, attracted by the trade prospects offered by Sri Lanka's exotic spices.

Why did the port of Colombo attract the attention of the Western world in 1505?

The port of Colombo attracted the attention of the Western world in 1505 due to its immense potential and ideal geographic location, which made it a significant hub for global trade.

How is Sri Lanka's port system characterized in terms of its number of ports?

Sri Lanka is characterized as the 'Island of Seven Ports,' with the port of Colombo being a major global logistics hub.

What role does the port of Colombo play in global logistics?

The port of Colombo functions as a major global logistics hub, located at the nucleus of the east and west sea routes and serving as the entry point to South Asia.

What is the significance of the port of Colombo's ranking in the Drury Port Connectivity Index?

The port of Colombo's rise in the Drury Port Connectivity Index establishes it as the number one port in the region for connectivity.

What is the annual volume of the port of Colombo and what does it accommodate?

The port of Colombo currently boasts an annual volume of over seven million TEUs and has the ability to accommodate the largest container vessels afloat.

How has the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) contributed to the transformation of the ports and maritime sectors?

The SLPA, established in 1979, has transformed the ports and maritime sectors by building new ports and boat terminals, acquiring new facilities, and providing state-of-the-art services, making them key drivers of the national economy.

What is the Jaya Container Terminal known for and what are its capacities?

The Jaya Container Terminal is known for its high performance over three decades and features a dry container stacking capacity of 60,000 TEUs and a reefer containers stacking capacity of 1,600 TEUs.

What is the South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) and what is its significance?

SAGT is the first public-private partnership stevedoring company in Sri Lanka with a majority local shareholding and is committed to realizing Sri Lanka's maritime hub aspirations by becoming the most trusted gateway terminal in the Indian Ocean.

What are the facilities and capabilities of the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT)?

CICT is the first and only deepwater terminal in South Asia capable of handling the largest vessels afloat, with a 3.2 million TEUs capacity and access to a global network of ports.

What are the future expansion plans for the port of Colombo?

The port of Colombo is at the heart of a three-stage expansion plan, which includes the completion of the Colombo International Container Terminal and further investment to build two additional terminals in the South Harbor.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Historical and Strategic Significance of Colombo Port

The script begins by highlighting the historical importance of the port of Colombo, originally known as Kalamata, as a crucial trade hub since the early 14th century. It was a magnet for merchants from China, India, and Persia due to the rich variety of exotic spices available in Sri Lanka. The port's strategic location caught the attention of the Western world in 1505, and it has since been a significant part of global trade. The port has evolved into a major logistics hub, ranking as the top port in the region for connectivity and serving as the primary transshipment port for the Indian subcontinent. It can accommodate the largest container vessels and has an annual volume of over seven million TEUs, with an 18-meter dredged depth and an efficient inter-terminal transfer system. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), established in 1979, has been instrumental in transforming the port and maritime sectors into key drivers of the national economy.

05:02

🚢 Innovations and Expansion of Colombo Port Terminals

The second paragraph delves into the operational excellence and strategic partnerships that have propelled the Colombo Port to its current status. It discusses the three high-performing terminals that contribute to the port's achievements: the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). The JCT, as the only state-owned terminal, has a history of high performance over three decades. SAGT, a result of the first public-private partnership, has brought performance excellence and best practices to the industry. CICT, managed by CM Ports, is the first deepwater terminal in South Asia, capable of handling the largest vessels. The paragraph also touches on the continuous growth and development of the port, including the introduction of ultra-large container vessels and the expansion plans for the future, aiming to further establish Colombo as the preeminent maritime gateway of South Asia.

Keywords

💡Silk Road

The Silk Road refers to a historical network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. In the context of the video, it highlights the historical significance of trade routes in attracting merchants to Sri Lanka due to its exotic spices, indicating the country's long-standing role in international trade.

💡Colombo Port

Colombo Port is the largest port in Sri Lanka and serves as a major global logistics hub. The video emphasizes its strategic geographic location, making it a crucial entry point to South Asia and a top-ranked port in the region for connectivity, illustrating the port's importance in the country's economic development and maritime trade.

💡Transshipment Port

A transshipment port is an intermediary port where cargo is transferred from one ship to another. The video mentions that the Port of Colombo is the main transshipment port for the Indian subcontinent, indicating its role as a central hub for the redistribution of goods to various destinations, which is vital for global supply chains.

💡TEUs

TEUs, or Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, is a unit of measurement used to describe the cargo capacity of container ships. The video states that the Port of Colombo handles over seven million TEUs annually, showcasing the port's substantial capacity and high volume of trade activity.

💡Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is the state organization responsible for the administration and development of the country's ports. The video outlines the SLPA's history, its role as a regulatory and administrative body, and its contributions to transforming the maritime sector, which underscores the authority's pivotal role in the nation's maritime industry.

💡Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

A Public-Private Partnership is a collaborative arrangement where the government and private sector work together to finance and operate services and facilities. The video mentions two PPPs in the context of the South Asia Gateway Terminal and the Colombo International Container Terminal, highlighting the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing port operations.

💡Deepwater Terminal

A deepwater terminal is designed to accommodate large vessels by having a deeper draft, allowing access to bigger ships. The video describes the Colombo International Container Terminal as the first and only deepwater terminal in South Asia, emphasizing its capability to handle the largest container vessels, which is a key factor in the port's competitive advantage.

💡Container Terminal

A container terminal is a facility where shipping containers are loaded and unloaded from ships. The video discusses several terminals, including the Jaya Container Terminal, South Asia Gateway Terminal, and Colombo International Container Terminal, each playing a significant role in the operations and success of the Port of Colombo.

💡Maritime Hub

A maritime hub is a port or group of ports that serve as central points for the distribution of goods in international trade. The video positions Sri Lanka as a maritime hub, with the Port of Colombo aiming to become the preeminent gateway hub in South Asia, indicating the country's strategic efforts to enhance its maritime trade capabilities.

💡Expansion Plan

An expansion plan outlines the development and growth strategies for a facility or organization. The video discusses a three-stage expansion plan for the Port of Colombo, including the completion of the Colombo International Container Terminal and plans for additional terminals, which demonstrates the port's commitment to growth and modernization.

💡Global Phenomenon

A global phenomenon refers to something that has a significant impact or is widely recognized around the world. The video concludes by referring to the Port of Colombo as a 'global phenomenon,' highlighting its international reputation and the success of its operations on a global scale.

Highlights

Kalimata, now known as Colombo, was a key port for merchants from China, India, and Persia in the early 14th century due to its trade prospects and exotic spices.

The port of Colombo attracted Western world attention in 1505 due to its immense potential and ideal geographic location.

Sri Lanka is known as the island of seven ports, with Colombo functioning as a major global logistics hub.

Colombo port has risen in the Drury port connectivity index and is the number one port in the region for connectivity.

Colombo port is the main transshipment port for the Indian subcontinent with all major shipping lines operating out of it.

The port can accommodate the largest container vessels afloat and is ranked among the top 30 ports in the world.

Colombo port boasts an annual volume of over seven million TEUs and an annual cargo tonnage of over 90 million.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was established in 1979 and has a history dating back to 1913 with the Colombo Port Commission.

SLPA is an award-winning organization known for its streamlined structure and stringent quality standards.

SLPA has transformed ports and maritime sectors into key drivers of the national economy.

Jaya Container Terminal, the only state-owned terminal, has been performing to high standards for over three decades.

South Asia Gateway Terminal is the first public-private partnership stevedoring company in Sri Lanka.

Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) is the first and only deepwater terminal in South Asia capable of handling the largest vessels.

CICT is owned and managed by CM Port, one of the largest global terminal operators.

CICT has been chosen as the best container terminal in Asia under 4 million TEUs for 3 consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.

In 2018, the port of Colombo grew at a rate of 14%, handling a record volume of over seven million TEUs, making it the fastest-growing port in the world.

The port of Colombo is part of an extensive three-stage expansion plan to further develop its infrastructure and capacity.

The East Container Terminal will be developed as the second deep draft container terminal in the Colombo South Harbor.

Transcripts

[Music]

in the early 14th century the port of

Kalamata

now called Colombo was the first port of

call for merchants from China India and

Persia who traveled via the Silk Road

drawn by the tantalizing trade prospects

offered by our country's myriad exotic

spices in 1505 the immense potential of

this perfectly located port attracted

the attention of the Western world and

the rest as they say is history

given its ideal geographic location it

is no wonder that sri lanka is the

island of seven ports with the port of

colombo functioning as a major global

logistics hub

located at the nucleus of the east and

west sea routes and serving as the entry

point to South Asia the Colombo port has

recently risen in the drury port

connectivity index thereby establishing

itself as the number one port in the

region for connectivity

[Music]

the port of Columbo is the main

transshipment port for the Indian

subcontinent with all major shipping

lines operating out of Colombo it also

has the ability to accommodate the

largest container vessels afloat the

port of Colombo is the hub port of South

Asia and is ranked among the top 30

ports in the world

currently boasting an annual volume of

over seven million TEUs an 18 meter

dredged depth an ultra-efficient

inter-terminal transfer system between

all three terminals and an annual cargo

tonnage of over 90 million this rapidly

expanding regional maritime hub sees

cargo originating from and destined for

Europe East and South Asia the Persian

Gulf and East Africa

[Music]

established in 1979 as a single entity

through a parliamentary act mandated for

diverse port funds the Sri Lanka ports

Authority's history as a public sector

organization goes back as far as 1913

when the Colombo port Commission was

first launched the SLPA functions as the

PIO seized regulatory and administrative

body and is an award-winning

organisation renowned for its

streamlined structure and stringent

quality standards the s RBA has

transformed the ports and maritime

sectors making them key drivers of the

national economy and consolidating Sri

Lanka's position among other leading

maritime nations building new ports and

boat terminals acquiring new facilities

and providing state-of-the-art services

the SLPA

has proven its resilience in the

container trade even when the sector

faced tumultuous times from a global

standpoint the achievements of the port

of Colombo are the result of the unified

efforts of its three high-performing

terminals the Jaya Container Terminal is

the port's only state-owned terminal and

has been performing to the highest

standards for over three decades the

South Asia gateway terminal is the ultra

successful result of the first-ever

public private partnership entered into

by the SLPA on a build-operate-transfer

basis and finally the Colombo

International Container Terminal born of

another public-private partnership the

sea ICT is managed by cm fourths and

provides the only deeper draft facility

of minus 80 metres available in the

Colombo South Harbor

since it opened in 1985 the Jaya

Container Terminal has grown both in

capacity and strength popularly known as

the JCT the terminal is made up of four

container main berths and two feeder

berths over a total container terminal

area of 45.5 hectares and a container

freight station area of 15,000 square

meters the terminal features an

impressive dry container stacking

capacity of 60,000 TEUs and a reefer

containers stacking capacity of clothes

on 1,600 teu since 2010 the JCT has

consistently exceeded 2 million TEU

annually in 2014 the terminal set a

record for handling 2.56 million TEUs

the highest a single state-owned

terminal has ever handled in the South

Asian region the JCT is set to expand

and upgrade with value additions

including an N 4 terminal management

system increased birth length and yard

capacity as well as additional dry

container and reefer ground sloths south

asia gateway terminals is the first

public private partnership stevedoring

company in sri lanka with a majority

local shareholding backed by multiple

international investors who are among

the world's best in the container port

terminals and shipping industry sa GT is

committed towards realizing Sri Lanka's

maritime hub aspirations with a vision

to become the most trusted gateway

terminal in the Indian Ocean sa GT has

brought in performance excellence and

best practices to the industry over the

19 years of operations sa GT has

continuously exceeded the expectations

of the international container shipping

community and as attracted multiple

independent globally recognized best

practice awards

living its core values of teamwork

safety trust and integrity customer

centricity and excellence team SI GT

plays an integral role in providing a

best-in-class service that enables the

company to offer the maritime community

a distinct value proposition one of

three operators in the port of Colombo

si GT is committed to doing its utmost

to ensure that the port of Colombo

becomes the preeminent gateway hub in

South Asia for global trade Colombo

International Container Terminal better

known as si ICT is the first and only

deepwater terminal in South Asia capable

of handling the largest vessels afloat

si ICT is owned and managed by CM port

one of the largest global terminal

operators see ICT operates kalamos

largest container terminal with a 3.2

million TEUs capacity and access to a

global network of ports across the globe

see ICT has played a significant role in

transforming the port of Colombo into a

major transit 'men hub introducing ultra

large container vessels UL cv to south

asia

sea ICT offers ultra-modern facilities

and cutting-edge technology manned and

maintained to international service

standards CIC t's constant innovations

and commitment to service excellence has

been a game changer and all systems are

working to enhance operational

performance and service delivery CIC T

is well on its way to reaching its goal

of being the best deepwater terminal in

South Asia having been chosen best

container terminal Asia under 4 million

TEUs for 3 consecutive years from 2017

to 2019

in 2018 the port of Columbo grew at a

rate of 14% handing a record volume of

over seven million TEUs and was the

fastest growing port in the world

the port of Colombo is at the heart of

an extensive three-stage expansion plan

while stage 1 the Colombo International

Container Terminal has been completed

further investment will be made to build

two additional terminals in the South

Harbor one in the east and another in

the West the Sri Lanka port authority

will equip and develop the East

Container Terminal which will stand as

the second deep draft container terminal

in the Colombo South Harbor the EC T

together with the JCT the sa GT and the

C ICT will further consolidate the port

status as a mega transshipment hub that

caters to all major shipping lines and

elevate the POC to an even more

formidable position as the preeminent

maritime gateway of South Asia the port

of Colombo a nation's pride a regional

star and a global phenomenon

you

[Music]