Colombo Port Boosts Volumes
The Chinese-built Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), which opened for business in 2014, has made significant gains in container handling last year surpassing 1.5 million TEUs, according to local media. The Terminal has set a record in 2015 with handling 1.561 million TEUs representing 1.57 percent increase over the year before and 67 percent of this volume is from ULCC (Ultra Large Container Carrier) and VLCC (Very large Container Carrier) segments. CICT is the first and currently the only deep water terminal in South Asia equipped with facilities to handle the largest vessels afloat. "The CICT-run “South Terminal” is making the right kind of waves, raking it in for Colombo port like never before and transforming Sri Lanka into a regional shipping hub," say local newspapers.
CICT Sri Lanka Container Terminal Opens
China Merchant Holdings International (CMHI) subsidiary Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) put the new terminal into trial operation mode with the arrival of the first ship to dock there, the 'M/V Coromandel'. CMHI owns an 85% interest in CICT, there will be altogether 4 berths and a quay length of 1200 meters, with a designed handling capacity of 2.4 million TEU, the first phase project covers 400 meters quay length. To celebrate the occasion, a blessing ceremony was performed at CICT berth site. CMG Assistant President cum CMHI Managing Director Dr.