AsiaPorts and Logistics

China and India square off at Colombo Port

Asian rivals China and India are now squaring off in Sri Lanka. Yesterday saw Indian conglomerate Adani sign a $700m agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and John Keells Holdings to jointly develop a container terminal at Colombo Port. Colombo West International Container Terminal will add 3.2m teu annual capacity to the Port of Colombo. Adani has a 51% stake in the new terminal in a 35-year deal.

As much as 70% of India’s containers are transhipped via Sri Lanka.

China has strong interests in Sri Lankan ports with China Merchants controlling the southern Hambantota port and Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), located next door to the strip of quayside that Adani will now develop.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
Back to top button