Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has welcomed the delivery of its first 2 semi-automated Rail Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs) and three additional fully automated Cantilever Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (CRMGs). This shipment marks the second in a series of deliveries as the terminal gears up for Phase 1 operations in February of 2025.
This follows the earlier delivery of five CRMGs on September 3. In total, CWIT will have nine cranes operational before the terminal officially begins handling cargo next year. These state-of-the-art automated cranes are designed to improve efficiency and enhance safety by reducing human intervention and increasing operational precision. The new terminal is a tripartite venture between Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
CWIT’s phased development plan will see the terminal equipped with 30 fully automated CRMGs and 14 semi-automated RMQCs by its final completion, making it a cornerstone in the expansion of Sri Lanka’s port sector. The terminal’s advanced infrastructure and technology will significantly increase container handling capacity at POC, enabling it to keep pace with growing global trade demands.
The substantial investment and capacity enhancement of CWIT will elevate Port of Colombo’s position in terms of throughput and connectivity. Once fully operational, CWIT will play a pivotal role in fueling economic growth, providing much-needed capacity to accommodate mega-vessels and increasing regional trade. Its future-proof design ensures scalability and efficiency, supporting POC’s ambition to solidify its position as a key gateway hub in the Indian Ocean.
