Colombo Port records strong growth in Container Throughput and Vessel Traffic

The Port of Colombo has continued its strong growth trajectory in 2026, reinforcing its position as South Asia’s premier maritime hub and one of the most important transshipment centres in the Indian Ocean region.

According to the latest operational statistics, the Port of Colombo handled 3,702,265 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the first five months of 2026, representing a 13.5% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The impressive growth reflects the port’s increasing competitiveness, operational efficiency, and growing attractiveness to global shipping lines.

Transshipment container throughput, which accounted for about 84.5% of the Port of Colombo’s total container volume, recorded a 14.0% increase during the period under review. This growth further consolidates Colombo’s role as a vital transshipment hub connecting major East-West shipping routes and serving regional markets across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Meanwhile, domestic container volumes also demonstrated robust performance, increasing by 10.7% compared to the same period last year, indicating steady growth in Sri Lanka’s import and export trade activities.

The port also recorded a notable increase in vessel traffic. Total ship arrivals during the first five months of 2026 rose by 4.7%, increasing from 1,649 vessels during the corresponding period in 2025 to 1,726 vessels in 2026.

Container vessel arrivals increased by 2.1%, rising from 1,484 vessels in 2025 to 1,515 vessels in 2026. Significant growth was also observed in other cargo segments. Break-bulk cargo vessel arrivals surged by 108.3%, while dry bulk cargo vessel arrivals increased by 4.2%. Liquid bulk cargo vessel arrivals also recorded growth of 13.2% during the period.

In addition, the number of vessels calling at the Port of Colombo for ancillary maritime services such as bunkering, ship repairs, ship chandelling, crew changes, and other support services increased by 48.0%, highlighting Colombo’s growing importance as a regional maritime services centre.

As the national port regulator and also an operator, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating the port’s expansion and ensuring the smooth functioning of the country’s maritime gateway. The Authority has been working closely with terminal operators, shipping lines, and other stakeholders to enhance port efficiency, improve turnaround times, and strengthen Colombo’s competitiveness amid growing regional competition.

The sustained growth in both container throughput and vessel arrivals is also supported by ongoing investments in port infrastructure, digitalization initiatives, and capacity enhancement projects. These developments are expected to further strengthen the Port of Colombo’s position as a key logistics and transshipment hub serving global maritime trade.

Picture: SLPA Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake explains the developmental programe of the Port of Colombo to S, Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State,  at the Port of Colombo.