MSC has signed a Terminal Service Agreement with SLPA to boost Colombo operations, aiming for improved efficiency and capacity amid rising throughput.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has signed a new Terminal Service Agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to enhance operations at the Port of Colombo, as reported by Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
The agreement, announced on December 9, is viewed as a strategic move to improve operational clarity, service efficiency, and capacity planning in anticipation of increased throughput.
In 2024, SLPA terminals achieved a record handling of 2.41 million TEU, contributing to an overall Port of Colombo throughput of 7.78 million TEU. This growth has been supported by private operators, including South Asia Gateway Terminals and Colombo International Container Terminal, and is linked to ongoing developments at the Colombo East and West terminals.
In November, SLPA reported progress at the Colombo East Container Terminal, where pre-test operations at the second berth allowed for the simultaneous berthing of the MSC China and MSC Manasa F. This new berth will enable the concurrent handling of multiple large vessels.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, MSC operates a global container fleet serving hundreds of trade routes and ports. The SLPA, established under the 1979 Ports Authority Act, manages Sri Lanka's major commercial ports and oversees both state-run and privately operated container terminals.
