10 June 2016 10:13 am
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has called for Expression of Interests (EOIs) for the development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo port.
SLPA said it intends to award a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession for the terminal. They further said the invitation for EOIs is the first stage in the process leading to the selection of a concessionaire for the award of BOT concession. Asian Development Bank has been appointed to provide transaction advisory services in the process of selection of a concessionaire.
The ECT in its present form has 440-metre long, 18-metre deep quay wall, a 20 hectare yard area and connected facilities development by SLPA.
“The concessionaire has the advantage of developing container handling equipment upfront and operating existing facility while developing the rest of the terminal,” SLPA said. There are four container terminals in the Colombo port, with two terminals operated by SLPA and the other two developed and operated by private terminal operators on BOT concessions.