Digital tools and capacity expansion critical to Colombo’s hub port ambitions: CWIT

By Nishel Fernando

Digitalisation, automation, and complete logistic integration, along with soon-to-be materialised capacity additions, are critical to putting the Port of Colombo back on the map as one of the best-performing and most efficient hub ports in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, according to a top industry figure.

Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) CEO Munish Kanwar emphasised that the Adani-led West Container Terminal (CWIT) is coming at the perfect time to strengthen the position of the Port of Colombo as the major transshipment hub, not only in South Asia but also in the Indian Ocean Belt.

However, he stressed that the Port of Colombo must take further initiatives to address the congestion, which has worsened in recent times.

“With this expansion, we’ll be handling larger vessels, more cargo, and reducing congestion while building on efficiencies. These are the driving factors for shipping lines today. They want to see efficiency. 

“They don’t want to see congestion. So, yes, this puts Colombo back on the map. We’ve been struggling with this congestion for a long time because there has been no additional capacity for so many years. It’s a welcome addition,” he added.

In this regard, he highlighted that digitalisation and automation could play a transformative role, illustrating CWIT’s operations as a fully automated terminal.

“We are making a fully automated terminal here, and that’s the need of the hour. Another need of the hour is to adopt those digital innovations that are ongoing, those digital tools available, whether it is automated cranes, digital booking systems, or real-time cargo monitoring. That streamlines the operations completely and takes away a lot of human errors,” Kanwar explained.

He also discussed the focus on complete logistic integration, which could enhance connectivity for the country beyond a single port.

“We have seen economies grow where there’s a huge integration between the industry and the port. It’s coming up in Colombo, and there’s a need to improve inland connectivity, whether by rail, road, or inland container depots.

These need to be better integrated with the ports. That will reduce the bottlenecks and improve the overall supply chain experience,” he said.

Furthermore, he suggested strengthening FTAs with major shipping nations and collaborating on upcoming shipping alliances.

“Why not Europe with Europe as well? It’s already a great connector, but we can leverage that. We can also collaborate with major shipping alliances that are emerging. Many shipping alliances are changing this year, and we can collaborate with those alliances to bring in more cargo and vessels, thus justifying the additional volumes and capacities we have,” he added.

Additionally, he outlined the need to develop human capital in line with emerging technologies.

“I think the future of the port industry in Sri Lanka will not be governed by automation or capacity additions alone. It will depend on human resources ready to take on those challenges, whether it’s investment in safety, security, logistics, or port management. We need to develop those capabilities in-house, and only then can we provide value-added services, efficiency, and manage the additional capacity coming in,” he said.