By: Staff Writer
December 03, Colombo (LNW): The United States is actively collaborating with Sri Lanka to chart a roadmap for sustainable development in the port sector, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the country’s maritime industry.
At the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, Dustin R. Bickel, the Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, highlighted the U.S.’s multifaceted support for Colombo Port through various initiatives.
The largest contribution to Sri Lanka’s port sector comes from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with a $553 million investment in the West Container Terminal at Colombo Port. T
his project aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s position as a regional shipping hub while avoiding an increase in its sovereign debt.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassy is spearheading capacity-building programs for Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) staff. Training in cybersecurity, operational management, public-private partnerships, and human resources is part of efforts to strengthen port operations across the nation.
The U.S. Departments of State, Energy, and Defense are also involved in supporting economic growth and global supply chain resilience through the port sector.
Sustainability is a key focus area, with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by adopting green technologies like electric tugboats, methanol-fueled cargo ships, and electric gantry cranes. “We are working with SLPA to integrate sustainable energy and electric mechanization into port operations,” Bickel said.
Jonathan Goldner of APM Terminals, a division of Maersk, expressed optimism about Colombo Port’s future, citing its potential as a key regional logistics hub. He emphasized the importance of aligning capacity expansion with sustainability goals to remain competitive amid global trends.
Despite the promising outlook, uncertainty surrounds DFC’s collaboration with India’s Adani Group, the primary stakeholder in the West Container Terminal. While Bickel did not comment on this, he reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime sector to foster prosperity, resilience, and security.
In another milestone, the U.S. Embassy supports a Maritime Advisory Program through the Colombo Plan, which enhances SLPA’s operational capabilities via training, knowledge sharing, and advisory visits.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SLPA and the Virginia Ports Authority further strengthens technical collaboration, emphasizing long-term U.S.-Sri Lanka ties.
Regional cooperation also emerged as a critical theme. Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, stressed the need for South Asian collaboration to address modern challenges and leverage opportunities in green shipping, fisheries, and marine tourism.
Bickel concluded by underscoring the importance of regional partnerships. He advocated for enhanced communication and knowledge-sharing among port authorities to promote best practices and mutual support.
With over $12 billion invested in maritime infrastructure, Sri Lanka’s strategic location and focus on the Blue Economy position it as a vital regional logistics partner, fostering shared economic growth in South Asia.
