Port of Colombo Sees Second Consecutive Decline in Transshipment Volumes
- CNL Reporter
- March 25, 2025
- News
- Port of Colombo Sees Second Consecutive Decline in Transshipment Volumes
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Transshipment volumes at the Port of Colombo fell for the second straight month in February, dropping 9.2% year-on-year to 479,942 TEUs. This decline follows a strong performance in 2024, when the port benefited from disruptions in the Red Sea. However, heavy congestion led mainline shipping lines to withdraw services, and they have yet to return.
The congestion worsened late last year due to increased customs inspections aimed at boosting government revenue. While operational conditions have now stabilized, the absence of key shipping services continues to impact volumes. The share of transshipment in total container throughput also declined to 79% in February, down from 82% a year earlier. The port’s recovery remains uncertain, pending the return of major shipping lines.
