The Colombo Port is experiencing mounting congestion and delays, echoing the challenges seen earlier this year following heightened tensions in West Asia involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Exporters have urgently called on authorities to address the buildup, as port operations struggle to keep pace with increasing volumes.

Shipping industry experts note that while many global ports serving West Asia face congestion, Colombo’s situation is particularly acute due to berthing bottlenecks. The port has seen rising throughput, notably at the Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWIT), where volumes have grown alongside recent capacity enhancements. Analysts attribute this surge in part to vessels rerouting cargo to Colombo after being unable to proceed directly to West Asian destinations, where delays persist.

Transshipment activity has also increased compared to last year. In 2025, the Colombo Port handled 8.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and volumes have continued to climb in 2026. CWIT is expected to reach full operational capacity by October, which may further expand the port’s handling capabilities.

However, progress at the East Container Terminal (ECT) remains limited. Industry observers highlight that inadequate infrastructure continues to restrict its capacity expansion. State authorities are reportedly working to expedite the ECT’s operational readiness, which, once complete, could add the ability to manage an additional 1.5 million TEUs annually.

Nalaka Ratnayaka, chairman of the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, explained that yard utilization at Colombo Port now exceeds 130%, contributing to delays and congestion. He emphasized that despite ongoing discussions, no effective resolution has yet been implemented to ease the situation.

Ratnayaka expressed concern that growing congestion—evidenced by vessels waiting an average of three to four days offshore and some terminals experiencing turnaround times approaching six days—could lead shipping lines to bypass Colombo in favor of alternative ports. This risk emerges even as export volumes near pre-pandemic levels and imports rise, though not fully matching those earlier figures.

The Exporters Association has negotiated arrangements with customers to cover freight costs either fully or partially. Still, Ratnayaka warned that if customers find more cost-effective shipping alternatives, Sri Lanka’s long-term export markets could be jeopardized. Overall, Colombo Port’s constrained capacity amid rising demand underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and operational efficiencies to sustain its role as a key regional hub.