US collaboration to develop roadmap for sustainable SL port development

From left: India’s Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey; APM Terminals Regional Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East Jonathan Goldner; Indian Maritime University Vice Chancellor Dr. Malini Shankar; Advocata Institute CEO Dhananath Fernando; Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe; Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf; and U.S. Embassy’s Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator Dustin R. Bickel.

Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

By Nishel Fernando

The United States is actively working with the Sri Lankan government to develop a roadmap for the sustainable development of the country’s port sector, as part of its multi-faceted support for the maritime industry, according to a senior US diplomat.

Speaking at the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference last week, Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo Dustin R. Bickel, emphasised the ongoing assistance to Colombo Port, through various initiatives.

“We are supporting (efforts) of Sri Lanka’s Ports Authority to develop a roadmap for sustainable development. This will include sustainable energy development, electric mechanisation, and measures to improve efficiency,” he said.
Jonathan Goldner, Regional Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East at APM Terminals, the terminal operating arm of Maersk, expressed optimism about the future of Port of Colombo.

He noted that emerging global trends are likely to favour established regional hubs and highlighted the importance of prioritising sustainability alongside capacity expansion. He stated that Port of Colombo has a bright future with a huge potential.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed over US$ 550 million to develop a deepwater shipping container terminal at the Port of Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a key transit hub in South Asia without adding to its sovereign debt.

However, uncertainty looms over DFC’s future collaboration with India’s Adani Group, the majority shareholder of the West Container Terminal, which is set to commence operations next January.

While Bickel refrained from commenting on this matter, he reaffirmed the U.S.’ continued support for Sri Lanka’s maritime sector. He underscored that current initiatives are focused on fostering prosperity, resilience, and maritime security.

In addition to capacity-building efforts, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka supports a Maritime Advisory Programme through the Colombo Plan. This initiative aims to enhance the human resource capabilities of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) via professional training, knowledge exchange, and international advisory visits, all designed to improve operational efficiency and maritime security.

A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Virginia Ports Authority. The agreement facilitates technical collaboration and the exchange of expertise, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and strengthen maritime security, showcasing the long-term commitment to U.S.-Sri Lanka ties.

Meanwhile, Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, highlighted the importance of South Asian collaboration in the maritime industry. She stressed the need for regional cooperation to address modern challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

“The maritime sector, with over US$ 12 billion in infrastructure investments, offers significant opportunities for Sri Lanka. The Colombo Port East Container Terminal project establishes Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in regional logistics. 

“Its geostrategic location complements neighbouring nations’ roles as trade hubs, boosting transshipment traffic and shared economic growth. 

Additionally, partnerships in green shipping, fisheries, and marine tourism, aligned with the focus on the Blue Economy and renewable energy, provide avenues for bilateral cooperation, benefiting the broader regional economy,” she said.

Bickel also highlighted U.S.’ constructive role in fostering regional collaboration through seminars and workshops.
“We see this as a very important element of port sector development. More the port authorities have relationships with each other, the more they can share info, help each other in times of need, and promote industry best practices,” he added