The Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) has recently accepted delivery of three additional ship-to-shore cranes as part of efforts by the Sri Lankan Ports Authority (SLPA) to increase its capacity.

Some media have reported the STS cranes were manufactured by ZPMC but this has not been confirmed by CECT or SLPA.

The delivery was announced by SLPA on its Facebook page.

“With these new acquisitions, the terminal now boasts a total of nine STS cranes, enabling it to handle a wider variety of vessels, no matter the size,” SLPA states on Facebook. 

“This expansion is a part of SLPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's position as a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. The CECT is expected to handle up to 3.5 million TEUs annually once fully operational, with the terminal's capabilities set to be fully realised by mid-2025.”

SLPA says it hopes the ability of CECT to accept larger vessels will “support regional economic growth through increased trade flows”.

In 2024, Sri Lanka Ports Authority terminals achieved a significant milestone by recording their highest-ever throughput, reaching a total of 2.41 million TEUs.