SLPA buys STS cranes to expand JCT 5 | Sunday Observer

SLPA buys STS cranes to expand JCT 5

14 April, 2019

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is in the process of purchasing three Ship to Shore (STS) cranes to expand the Jaya Container Terminal 5 (JCT).

“The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is in the process of purchasing three STS cranes for the expansion of JCT 5. The USD 25 million investment has been approved by a Cabinet-appointed procurement committee,” Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka tweeted last week. “This is the first step in a rapid, accelerated expansion program to cater to the growing demand from customers. We will continue to listen and improve as required by market conditions,” he added. Last year, the government decided to expand JCT 5 with a wider quay and modern equipment, with an investment of USD 70 million.

“This will allow two, 360-metre vessels to berth at the Colombo Port at the same time. The SLPA will buy the cranes from a Chinese supplier, selected according to Cabinet-approved procurement process,” the Minister explained.

Ratnayaka said the new infrastructure development drive would project Colombo as a more competitive port in the region and support its global ranking. “The Port must attract greater transhipment cargo traffic volume – thus directly increasing foreign exchange earnings. To achieve this, we must be more attractive than all neighbouring ports – financially, efficiency-wise, and in terms of ease of doing business,” he said. 

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