South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT), in the Port of Colombo launched its third consecutive Sustainability Report for the year 2021/22. Titled “The Needs of the Present, sustained for the Future” the report outlines SAGT’s commitment to driving a sustainable business.
The report details the terminal’s sustainability performance during the year of review and compares the progression of the performance indicators over the years. SAGT’s Sustainability Report remains the only formal Sustainability report published by a terminal operator within the Port of Colombo.
The sustainability data presented in the report is collected, analysed, and published in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Reporting based on the GRI standards enables SAGT to report the impact of its activities in a transparent and structured manner. SAGT has adopted the new GRI standards released in November 2021 in the presentation of the data provided in this report allowing for increased transparency and comprehensive reporting. The SAGT Sustainability Report for 2021/22 and the data presented have been independently audited by DNV GL in compliance with global best practices.
Resulting from the adverse influences of the pandemic, political and economic headwinds in the country, the industry continues to face volatile macro-environmental factors that pose operational and business challenges. Amidst these challenges, the Port of Colombo recorded its highest volume of 7.25 million TEU’s in a single year during the reporting period. Despite these challenges, SAGT continued to provide uninterrupted terminal services and has made several strategic investments for sustainable growth. Among these investments, are the addition of two new Ship to Shore (STS) cranes to its fleet in April 2022. The new STS cranes enhances SAGT twin lift capabilities and in turn its operational productivity. SAGT has also deployed a new 5 Ton forklift, an engine powered boom lift and placed and awaits delivery of a new reach stacker during the period in review to improve its maintenance capacity and assist in broader terminal services.
SAGT continues to commit to the environmental pillar of sustainability. The Company completed the hybridization of 20 rubber tyred gantries (RTG’s) during the year in review and as a result reduced its total diesel consumption by 23%. The reduction in diesel consumption resulted in the reduction of SAGT’s carbon footprint by 16% during the same period. Investing in cutting-edge technology has further improved the engine performance of the machines, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. Further, the company continued its pledge to commit to environmental conservation through the reforestation of an additional 4 acres of land at the Yagirala Rainforest. To mitigate environmental damage from potential leaking hazardous cargo, SAGT invested in infrastructure that enables the terminal to quarantine leaking containers and allowing for the disposal of hazardous substances in an environmentally responsible manner.
During the period in review, SAGT continued its commitment to investing the wellbeing of its employees and the surrounding communities. SAGT provided two rounds of the Covid-19 vaccination and a booster vaccine to its staff and third-party contractors. SAGT also sponsored a Multipara monitor to the paediatric cardiology unit at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital to ensure that children suffering from congenital heart disease had access to better testing equipment to facilitate early detection, thus ensuring timely and accurate treatment. Extending its support to communities in time of need the company also supplied ration packs to Customs Clearing Agents affected by floods in June2021.
Commenting on the publication of the report, SAGT’s CEO, Romesh David, stated, “For over two decades, SAGT has been at the forefront of embracing new possibilities and raising the bar for terminal operators in the South Asian region. In publishing our Sustainability Report for the second consecutive year, SAGT continues to reinforce our commitment to be an industry benchmark, not only in Sri Lanka but also the region”. With respect to the future, he went on to say, “Looking ahead, we will stay strongly committed to the course, steered by our core values while continuing to strengthen our position on key sustainability issues and communicating our progress openly and transparently”.
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) is the first Public Private Partnership container terminal in Sri Lanka (with approximately 60% Sri Lankan shareholding) and commenced operations in 1999, launching the Port of Colombo as global trade’s preeminent gateway hub to South Asia. Today, the terminal is one of three operators in the Port of Colombo and continues to offer the international container shipping community a competitive best in class service. SAGT is a Board of Investment flagship company whose shareholders include – John Keells Holdings, Maersk/APM Terminals, SLPA and Evergreen Marine Corporation.
