• New container terminals and quays to boost port capacity
• Minister’s invitation in Singapore sparks investor excitement
• AECOM study identifies viable options for future freight traffic

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has revealed that it is actively seeking foreign investors for the realisation of the newly-conceptualised Colombo North Port development project, despite the absence of a specific timeline for its implementation.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLPA Managing Director H.M. Prabath Jayantha disclosed that despite the significant media coverage surrounding the Colombo North Port development project, which aims to create additional port capacity in a protected harbour for future freight traffic north of the current port facilities, the project was still in its early stages. 

He further stated that the SLPA was yet to establish a specific timeline for the project’s implementation.

Elaborating further, he stated: “In addition to the existing port facilities and the terminals currently being developed, we had called for a feasibility report from a consultant regarding the development of a new port in the area north of the existing port facilities. This feasibility report was presented by the consultant recently, wherein it was established that the construction of such a port was feasible.”

He also stated that Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva had visited Singapore for a conference where he had invited investors to invest in the Colombo North Port development project and that several investors had expressed their intention to do so.

He further revealed: “Recently delegations from Japan and Dubai visited us and we invited them to invest in this project.”

The Sunday Morning Business has uncovered that the SLPA had appointed AECOM Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited to undertake a feasibility study for the Colombo North Port.

AECOM’s services had been provided under the Asian Development Bank-funded loan 3425-SRI: Transport Project Preparatory Facility, ‘Consultancy Service for Feasibility Study for Colombo North Port Development Project’.

The feasibility report had examined various development possibilities and a selection of five options had undergone a thorough assessment using a multi-criteria analysis. 

Ultimately, the favoured choice entails the establishment of three container terminals, featuring a combined quay length of 4,600 metres, along with a multi-purpose terminal encompassing a 700 m quay. Additionally, two oil berths and space for logistics/warehousing are included in this preferred option.

The intent of the proposed Colombo North Port development project is to provide additional port capacity within a sheltered harbour for future freight traffic. The primary aim is to accommodate forecast growth in gateway cargo and transshipment containers up to 2050. 

Other cargo types such as dry bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, and RoRo will also be considered.