CICT handles 2,241-tonne battery storage shipment for Lanka’s largest energy storage

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) successfully handled a 2,241-tonne Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) shipment comprising 54 battery units destined for Sri Lanka’s largest energy storage programme to date, supporting a national initiative aimed at strengthening grid stability, accelerating renewable energy integration and enhancing long-term energy security.

The shipment arrived onboard Da Xiang, a specialised heavy lift vessel operated by COSCO Shipping. Each battery unit, equivalent in size to a standard 20-foot container, weighed approximately 41.5 tonnes and required specialised planning, equipment deployment and enhanced safety measures throughout the discharge and storage process.

The BESS units form part of a nationwide deployment across 16 substations and are expected to support Sri Lanka’s target of achieving 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 while improving grid flexibility and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Recognising the specialised handling requirements of the cargo, CICT developed a dedicated operational plan prior to the vessel’s arrival. The discharge operation was carried out during a specially planned midnight shift using two dedicated quay cranes, sixteen prime movers and two reach stackers allocated exclusively for transporting the battery units from vessel to stack.

To strengthen operational readiness, two Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) were placed on standby with modified lifting configurations. While the terminal’s RTGs are designed to handle loads of up to 40.5 tonnes under normal operating conditions, each BESS unit exceeded this threshold.

Technical adjustments were completed in advance to ensure additional lifting capability was available if required. Although the standby RTGs were ultimately not utilised, the preparations formed part of CICT’s broader risk management and contingency planning process.

The operation was supported by a specially selected team comprising two quay crane operators, sixteen prime mover drivers, two reach stacker operators and two RTG operators. Team members were selected based on operational experience and strong safety records to ensure the operation was conducted under enhanced safety protocols.

CICT CEO Jan Zhang said: “The successful handling of this 2,241-tonne battery energy storage shipment demonstrates CICT’s capability to manage highly specialised project cargoes that require meticulous planning, technical expertise and uncompromising safety standards. As Sri Lanka accelerates investments in renewable energy and grid modernisation, ports will play a critical role in enabling the timely delivery of strategic infrastructure.”

Unlike conventional container operations, the battery units were not stacked and each of the 54 units was allocated a dedicated ground slot within the terminal yard to support safe storage and efficient onward delivery.