October 02, Colombo (LNW): Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has made significant progress toward establishing itself as one of Asia’s top port facilities with the recent arrival of its first two semi-automated Rail Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs) and three additional fully automated Cantilever Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (CRMGs).
This delivery is part of a series of shipments as CWIT prepares for Phase 1 operations, which are set to commence in February 2025.
This follows the earlier delivery of five CRMGs on September 3rd, and by the time the terminal officially begins handling cargo next year, CWIT will have a total of nine operational cranes. These advanced automated cranes are engineered to boost efficiency and improve safety by minimizing human involvement and enhancing operational accuracy.
CWIT’s phased development will eventually see the terminal equipped with 30 fully automated CRMGs and 14 semi-automated RMQCs upon completion. This makes CWIT a cornerstone in the expansion of Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure.
The terminal’s cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure will substantially increase the container handling capacity at the Port of Colombo (POC), helping it meet the growing demands of global trade.
The significant investment in CWIT and its enhanced capacity will strengthen the Port of Colombo’s position in terms of throughput and connectivity.
Once fully operational, CWIT will play a vital role in driving economic growth, providing essential capacity for mega-vessels, and boosting regional trade. Its forward-thinking design ensures scalability and efficiency, aligning with POC’s vision to establish itself as a major gateway hub in the Indian Ocean.
Poised to become one of the most advanced and strategically important container terminals in the Indian Ocean region, CWIT is set to become a key player in the global maritime industry.
By utilizing cutting-edge technology, the terminal aims to improve container handling efficiency and stands as a major step in Colombo’s path to becoming a leading maritime hub. CWIT’s motto, “Connect. Collaborate. Contribute,” reflects its vision of driving economic growth and facilitating international trade across Asia and beyond.
