Danish shipping giant Maersk recently signed a three-year terminal services agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), continuing to use the Port of Colombo as its regional operational hub.

According to foreign media reports, Maersk has signed a three-year terminal services agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, maintaining the Port of Colombo as its regional operational center.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority stated that the agreement will further strengthen its collaboration with the world's second-largest container shipping company.

In a statement, the Ports Authority said, "Both parties emphasize that this agreement will not only ensure higher service reliability but will also contribute to long-term growth prospects with the development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Port of Colombo."

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority noted that the construction of the East Container Terminal at the Port of Colombo is expected to "significantly enhance" the port's throughput and efficiency.

As per sources, the East Container Terminal project is Sri Lanka's first self-invested deep-water terminal located within the Port of Colombo, adjacent to the Colombo Port City project. The project includes approximately 700 meters of quay length, 600,000 square meters of stacking yards, and other ancillary facilities.

The Phase 2 of the East Container Terminal project is being constructed by China Merchants Port and managed by China Communications Construction Company. Once completed, the project is set to significantly increase the total throughput of the Port of Colombo, enhance the port's comprehensive shipping services, and help Colombo Port become a world-class transshipment hub and logistics distribution center.