Transformative infrastructure’ installed at Colombo West International Terminal
In a landmark move for Sri Lanka’s logistics landscape, EFL Project Logistics has completed a critical phase of deliveries for the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a transformative infrastructure project poised to reshape the country’s role in global maritime trade.
CWIT—a collaboration between Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (51%), John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority—is set to be the island’s first fully automated deep-water terminal. As it gears up for full commercial operations in 2025, the recent arrival of high-tech port handling equipment marks a key economic inflection point for Sri Lanka.
Speaking exclusively to The Island Financial Review on the impact, Mohamed Niyas, General Manager – Project Logistics at EFL, said, “The logistics we executed for CWIT are more than just cargo movements; they are catalysts for economic transformation. These deliveries—ranging from electric inter-terminal trucks to automated gantry cranes—are essential to positioning Sri Lanka as a sustainable, high-capacity transshipment hub.”
Among the highlights of the operation were 62 state-of-the-art Sany electric trucks and massive quay and gantry cranes, representing not only a technical leap but also a green one. These advancements contribute to CWIT’s eco-efficient design and bolster Colombo’s capacity to handle up to 15 million TEUs by 2026.
Economically, the development of CWIT—and EFL’s role in its expedited setup—signals a push for increased foreign direct investment, enhanced export competitiveness and job creation across the logistics and engineering sectors. As Niyas emphasized, “We are not just helping move cargo; we are enabling national economic value. Every successful delivery brings us closer to a future where Sri Lanka is a leading player in the South Asian maritime corridor.”
With global shipping routes evolving and automation driving next-gen port operations, CWIT is seen as a strategic asset for long-term growth. EFL’s role in the project showcases the kind of logistics innovation necessary to support this ambition—efficient, sustainable and globally competitive.
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