<p data-path-to-node="4" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-328" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="4,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="4,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">COLOMBO</b> — In an infrastructure move aimed at securing South Asia’s maritime transshipment leadership, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has formally executed commercial engineering contracts for an extensive capital dredging campaign to deepen the navigation access channel and outer basin of the Colombo South Harbour to a uniform operational draft of <b data-path-to-node="4,0" data-index-in-node="356" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">18.5 metres</b></span><span data-path-to-node="4,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="4,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="5" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-329" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="5,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The capital dredging program addresses the physical requirements of the global container fleet</span><span data-path-to-node="5,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="5,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. As ocean carriers deploy 24,000-TEU Megamax-24 and Post-Suezmax ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) on long-haul services connecting the Far East to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope, maritime hubs must offer deep water without tidal dependencies</span><span data-path-to-node="5,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="5,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="6" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-330" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="6,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The deepened access fairway will directly serve the deepwater quays of the Colombo South Harbour complex—specifically the newly expanded East Container Terminal (ECT) and the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT)—ensuring these automated terminals can accommodate fully laden mega-containerships around the clock</span><span data-path-to-node="6,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="6,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><h4 data-path-to-node="8" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Engineering Architecture and Dredging Parameters</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="9" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;">The capital dredging initiative involves specialized marine excavation and precision hydrographic engineering across the harbour’s primary nautical gateways:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10" style="padding-inline-start: 32px; font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-331" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Navigation Fairway and Outer Approach Deepening:</b> Heavy-duty trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) and high-powered backhoe dredgers will extract marine silt, compacted sand, and fractured seabed bedrock along the 7-kilometer outer approach channel</span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. The channel will be deepened from legacy margins down to a consistent minimum bed depth of 19.5 to 20.0 metres below Chart Datum (CD), providing safe keel clearance for vessels drawing 18.5 metres in heavy sea swells</span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-332" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Expansion of the Colombo South Turning Basin:</b> The project broadens and scours the inner South Harbour turning basin to a sustained depth of 18.5 metres</span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. This allows 400-metre container giants to execute complete 360-degree pivoting maneuvers safely under tug assistance, regardless of tidal fluctuations or monsoonal drift currents</span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-333" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Geotechnical Bedrock Extraction:</b> Specialized marine cutter-suction dredgers (CSDs) fitted with heavy-duty rock-cutting teeth will excavate hard subsea strata located near the harbour entrance, eliminating isolated navigational pinnacles that previously restricted two-way mega-ship passage</span><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-334" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Environmental Turbidity Safeguards:</b> In compliance with Sri Lanka’s Central Environmental Authority (CEA) guidelines, the dredging fleet will deploy continuous silt curtains and acoustic wave-gauge monitoring systems to prevent sediment plumes from drifting toward local marine ecosystems or coastal fisheries</span><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Dredged spoils will be transported via sealed split-hopper barges to designated offshore dumping zones situated beyond the 50-metre bathymetric contour</span><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="12" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Eliminating Tidal Staging and Protecting Transshipment Competitiveness</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="13" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-335" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="13,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The Port of Colombo handles over 80% of its total container throughput as transshipment volume, primarily serving the Indian subcontinent</span><span data-path-to-node="13,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="13,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. The deepening project provides essential operational and commercial advantages across the Indian Ocean rim:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="14" style="padding-inline-start: 32px; font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="14,0,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-336" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="14,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="14,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Round-the-Clock Tidal Independence:</b> Prior to this deepening initiative, Megamax-24 container ships laden near maximum displacement were occasionally forced to anchor outside the port for two to five hours, awaiting high-water tidal cycles to enter or depart safely</span><span data-path-to-node="14,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. An 18.5-metre sustained draft eliminates tidal wait times entirely, allowing direct pilotage straight from outer anchorages to the berth upon arrival</span><span data-path-to-node="14,0,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,0,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="14,1,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-337" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="14,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Mitigating Regional Transshipment Competition:</b> With modern deepwater hubs emerging across southern India—such as Vizhinjam and deep-draft outer harbour developments at Tuticorin (VOC Port)—Colombo’s investment protects its core transshipment market share</span><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Deepening the South Basin ensures that mainline carriers need not bypass Sri Lanka due to draft limitations</span><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="14,2,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-338" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="14,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Maximized Cargo Lift and Fuel Optimization:</b> Fully laden mega-vessels can maximize their container load intakes without "deadfreighting" (leaving container slots empty to reduce vessel draft)</span><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. This delivers immediate per-TEU slot cost efficiencies for carriers running Cape of Good Hope routings</span><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="16" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Synchronization with ECT and CWIT Terminal Operations</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="17" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-339" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="17,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The deepened maritime approach works in tandem with the massive landside terminal investments recently commissioned across the Colombo South Harbour</span><span data-path-to-node="17,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="17,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="18" style="padding-inline-start: 32px; font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="18,0,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-340" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="18,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="18,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Full Utilization of High-Outreach Cranes:</b> Both ECT and CWIT have deployed remote-controlled, ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes capable of servicing container stacks up to 24 boxes wide and reaching 54 metres above the rail</span><span data-path-to-node="18,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="18,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Deeper berth pockets allow these high-speed gantries to operate at maximum lifting cycles without risk of vessel movement against the quayside fender line</span><span data-path-to-node="18,0,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="18,0,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="18,1,0" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-341" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="18,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="18,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Accelerated Feeder Interconnections:</b> Faster berthing rotations for mainline mother vessels directly compress the transfer window for export-import containers connecting via high-frequency feeder shuttles to Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Cochin, and Chittagong, mitigating container roll-over risks across regional supply chains</span><span data-path-to-node="18,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="18,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="20" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Strategic Perspectives from Port Authority Leadership</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="21" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;">Speaking during the formal contract execution at the SLPA administrative headquarters in Colombo, senior port authority and maritime ministry leadership affirmed:</p><p data-path-to-node="22" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-342" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="22,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">"The true strength of a premier maritime transshipment hub lies in its water depth</span><span data-path-to-node="22,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="22,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Modern ocean carriers cannot afford to lose hours waiting for favorable tides when routing mega-vessels across the Indian Ocean</span><span data-path-to-node="22,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="22,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. By formalizing the Colombo South Basin deepening project to a continuous 18.5-metre draft, we are future-proofing Sri Lanka’s maritime gateway</span><span data-path-to-node="22,5" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="22,6" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="23" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-343" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="23,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">This engineering program guarantees that our flagship deepwater assets—the East Container Terminal and Colombo West International Terminal—can seamlessly welcome the largest container vessels afloat today and tomorrow</span><span data-path-to-node="23,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="23,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Colombo remains the undisputed transshipment hub of South Asia, delivering the draft, velocity, and reliability that global trade demands</span><span data-path-to-node="23,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="23,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">."</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c283327905="" _nghost-ng-c2357520900="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="24" id="p-rc_80c9bb8091e0663e-344" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="24,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Marine contracting vessels are scheduled to mobilize in the fairway before the close of the upcoming month, with dredging operations slated to proceed in phased sectors to avoid disrupting active vessel arrivals and scheduled transshipment traffic</span><span data-path-to-node="24,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c557919041="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c557919041="" class="superscript" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="24,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c283327905="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"></sources-carousel-inline></p>