The full-scale operation of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) long-delayed East Container Terminal (ECT) is likely to face further setbacks, as the procurement process for essential port equipment, specifically straddle carriers, remains incomplete, The Sunday Times reported.
According to the report, tenders for the purchase of these straddle carriers, which are specialised vehicles used in container terminals to lift and transport heavy cargo such as shipping containers, were initially called in 2023. Although a company was selected at the time, the award was later cancelled after the National People’s Power (NPP) government came to power. The cancellation was possible because the chosen company had not formally confirmed acceptance of the tender.
SLPA sources told The Sunday Times that the earlier tender was cancelled because it involved the procurement of diesel-powered straddle carriers, which would have conflicted with Sri Lanka’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. Subsequently, a new tender was floated this year for the supply, delivery, and commissioning of 15 hybrid straddle carriers that use more than one energy source. The tender, which was originally scheduled to close on September 22, was later extended to October 8, 2025.
“The tender just closed this week,” an industry source was quoted as saying. “The evaluation and award process will take at least six months at best, and delivery of the straddle carriers will require another year. This means the ECT won’t have straddle carriers for at least the next 18 months.”
ECT, envisioned as the SLPA’s first fully automated deepwater terminal, was initially expected to be fully operational by 2016. However, only its first phase commenced container operations in October 2020. Civil construction for the second phase is still in progress and may take another 18 months to complete. In addition, staff will need time to train and familiarise themselves with the new equipment once it arrives.
Meanwhile, The Newspaper also reported that the adjoining Adani-managed Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has already integrated straddle carriers into its fully automated operations. Construction of CWIT began in early 2022, and its first phase was commissioned in April this year.
“We can only become fully operational once the straddle carriers are in place,” SLPA Chairman Admiral (Retd) Sirimevan Ranasinghe has said. “Our goal is to finalise the evaluation, award the tender within this year, and issue the letters of credit promptly.” He also clarified that he is not directly involved in the tender process.
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