Maersk pact signals confidence in Colombo port operations: SLPA

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) shared that global shipping giant Maersk Line has signed a three-year Terminal Service Agreement (TSA), underscoring its confidence in Colombo’s service quality and operational standards.

The deal will see Maersk continue to utilise SLPA terminals for its regional operations, benefiting from Colombo’s location at the crossroads of major East-West shipping routes.

“The TSA reflects Maersk’s confidence in the service quality and operational standards maintained by SLPA, while also reinforcing Port of Colombo’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia,” SLPA said in a statement.

Officials said the agreement will ensure greater service reliability and support long-term growth with the upcoming Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT). “Once fully operational, CECT is expected to significantly enhance capacity and efficiency, offering shipping lines, including Maersk expanded opportunities to scale up operations,” they said.

SLPA added that its terminals — CECT, Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) and Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) — are equipped to cater to vessels of Maersk’s calibre, which guarantee schedule reliability.

Industry stakeholders expect the collaboration to generate opportunities for trade facilitation, job creation and improved competitiveness for Sri Lanka in the global maritime sector.