Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has announced the start of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) located at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Developed under a public–private partnership, CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India's largest port operator, Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.

The CWIT project involves a US$800 million investment, boasting a 1,400-meter quay length and 20-meter depth. The terminal is designed to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.

It is also the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times, and elevate the port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.

Construction of the CWIT began in early 2022. With infrastructure work nearly finished, the terminal aims to improve efficiency and reliability in regional maritime logistics.

"The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka," said Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group.

"Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean, but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map."

Adani noted that the CWIT project will also help unlock immense economic value for the island nation.

Krishan Balendra, chairperson of John Keells Group, also welcomed the progress in the development of the West Container Terminal, a project that he said strengthens Sri Lanka's position as a regional maritime hub.

"This project is one of the John Keells Group's largest investments and is among the most significant private-sector investments in Sri Lanka. Together with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Adani Group, we will elevate Colombo's status as a leading transshipment hub. We are confident that the project will enhance global trade and connectivity in the region," he said.