Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone’s Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has doubled its handling capacity to 3.2 mn twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 1.6 mn TEUs after a USD 750 mn Phase II expansion. The project is intended to strengthen Colombo’s position as a major transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the expansion on Thursday. The increased capacity is expected to allow CWIT to handle nearly 25 per cent of the Port of Colombo’s targeted 13 mn TEU capacity by 2028. The terminal can now berth three ultra-large container vessels simultaneously, improving its ability to serve ships operating on the East-West trade route.

CWIT has handled 2 mn TEUs during its first 18 months of operations. It previously became the fastest terminal at the Port of Colombo to handle 1 mn TEUs, reaching that milestone during its inaugural year in 2024.

The terminal’s development has generated more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the project partners said it was helping attract international commerce and improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness. CWIT was developed by Adani Ports, John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority under a 35-year build-operate-transfer concession.

CWIT is Sri Lanka’s first fully automated deep-water container terminal and has been designed to serve large container vessels through fully electrified operations. It has recorded 17 mn safe working hours since beginning operations. Adani Ports operates the terminal as part of its international portfolio, which also includes ports in Australia, Israel and Tanzania.

The expansion represents a major milestone for Adani Ports’ overseas business and reflects the company’s broader focus on key trade corridors across the Indian Ocean. CWIT’s operating partnership includes Adani Ports, John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.