SLPA targets full operations at ECT, WCT by end-2026

• ECT, WCT I handle around 600,000 TEUs, each under partial operations
• Both terminals aim to complete construction ahead of 2027 schedule: SLPA Chair 
• ECT’s quay wall to reach nearly 1 km by end-2025; WCT I quay wall almost finished
• Equipment procurement complete for ECT; WCT I expects remaining machinery next year

The East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal I (WCT I) are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLPA Chairman Admiral (Retd) Sirimevan Ranasinghe revealed that, notwithstanding the fact that construction work at both the ECT and WCT I was still ongoing, the terminals had already commenced partial operations and were each handling around 600,000 TEUs per year. 

He further stated that once fully operational, each terminal was expected to handle approximately 3 million TEUs annually.

“Both terminals are operating, while construction is ongoing. They are not fully operational but rather partially operational,” he stated.

Commenting on the ECT, Admiral Ranasinghe stated that the terminal had initially commenced partial operations some time ago but was subsequently forced to halt operations for various reasons. Partial operations then recommenced in September or October 2024. 

Regarding the progress of construction, he noted that significant advances had been made and that, by the end of this month, the ECT would have a quay wall extending nearly 1 km, with only approximately 300 m remaining to be completed.

He further revealed that the ECT had already brought in all the cranes required for its operations. In contrast, the WCT I is still in the process of procuring some of its equipment, with the remaining machinery scheduled to be brought down next year in accordance with the work programme.

The SLPA Chairman further stated that construction work on the quay wall at the WCT I was nearly complete.

He added that while the ECT and WCT I were scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, both terminals were expected to be ready to begin operations by the end of 2026.

“Both terminals are trying to finish their work by the end of next year. Even though the schedule is for [operations to commence in] the first quarter of 2027, they are trying to get it done by end-2026.”

Source: The morning