According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Maersk has recently signed a three-year Terminal Service Agreement (TSA) with SLPA, marking an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub. The agreement is expected to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, and pave the way for closer collaboration between the global shipping leader and Sri Lanka’s key port operators.

Through this partnership, Maersk will continue to utilize SLPA terminals for regional operations, benefiting from Colombo’s strategic location at the crossroads of major East-West shipping routes. The agreement reflects Maersk’s confidence in the SLPA’s service quality and operational standards, while further solidifying Colombo Port (POC) as a major transshipment hub in South Asia.

Both parties emphasized that the agreement will not only ensure higher service reliability but also provide long-term growth prospects for the upcoming Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT). Once fully operational, CECT is expected to significantly enhance capacity and efficiency, offering shipping companies, including Maersk, opportunities to expand operations.

Currently, POC is equipped with CECT, CICT, and CWIT 1 to meet Maersk’s vessel requirements and ensure schedule reliability.

This partnership highlights the growing trust between the SLPA and international shipping companies, positioning Colombo as the preferred port of call in the region. The collaboration is expected to bring new prospects for trade facilitation, job creation, and competitiveness in Sri Lanka’s global maritime sector.