<p data-path-to-node="2" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-437" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="2,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="2,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">COLOMBO</b> — In an operational intervention to eliminate waterfront container transfer delays and decompress heavily congested terminal access roads, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), acting in unified technical coordination with public and private container terminal concessionaires across the harbor, has formally inaugurated and operationalized a 24/7 automated intra-port waterborne barge relay system at the Port of Colombo</span><span data-path-to-node="2,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="2,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="3" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-438" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="3,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The waterborne shuttle corridor establishes an unbroken maritime link connecting the state-operated Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and East Container Terminal (ECT) with private deepwater facilities, including the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), and the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT)</span><span data-path-to-node="3,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="3,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Deploying a dedicated fleet of three shallow-draft, 350-TEU battery-electric container barges, the relay transfers international transshipment boxes and empty equipment pools entirely via harbor basin waters, bypassing landside gates and internal perimeter roadways</span><span data-path-to-node="3,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="3,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b> <!----><source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1535063690="" _nghost-ng-c4077156738="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></b></sources-carousel-inline></p><h3 data-path-to-node="4" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Resolving Waterfront Fragmentation and Inter-Terminal Drayage Bottlenecks</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="5" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-439" 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;">Transshipment boxes bound to and from the Indian subcontinent historically account for between 70% and 80% of Colombo’s total throughput, sustained by frequent feeder loops channeling cargo from primary coastal gateways such as Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Chittagong</span><span data-path-to-node="5,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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;">. However, the physical separation between shallow-draft public feeder berths in the inner harbor and outer deepwater mega-containership quays has long acted as a persistent operational pinch point</span><span data-path-to-node="5,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="6" 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="6,0,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-440" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="6,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="6,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Internal Roadway Saturation:</b> Moving transshipment boxes between mother vessels discharging at outer berths like CWIT and regional feeder vessels berthed at JCT or SAGT historically required hundreds of internal terminal tractor-trailers (ITVs) negotiating narrow harbor perimeters and security gates</span><span data-path-to-node="6,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="6,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">. Peak-hour yard congestion often resulted in road transfer queues lasting four to six hours</span><span data-path-to-node="6,0,0,3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="6,0,0,4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="6,1,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-441" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="6,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="6,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Feeder Departure Misses and Rollovers:</b> Landside transfer delays frequently prevented boxes from reaching feeder docks ahead of scheduled cut-off windows, causing expensive container rollovers that stranded subcontinental export-import cargo in Colombo yards for multiple days</span><span data-path-to-node="6,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="6,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="6,2,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-442" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="6,2,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="6,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Quayside Storage Squeeze:</b> Slower inter-terminal transfer velocity tied up critical waterfront staging slots, forcing yard managers to maintain broad buffer zones that limited yard productivity during high-density mainline vessel turnarounds</span><span data-path-to-node="6,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="6,2,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><p data-path-to-node="7" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-443" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="7,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The continuous waterborne barge relay removes this landside friction by transferring container blocks directly across harbor water pockets, keeping inter-terminal transit durations under 45 minutes</span><span data-path-to-node="7,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="7,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><h3 data-path-to-node="8" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Technical Configuration, Electric Propulsion, and Automated Mooring</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-444" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="9,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Engineered to navigate Colombo's inner basins without interrupting deep-draft vessel movements or tug assistance lanes, the intra-port barge relay deploys high-specification marine technology</span><span data-path-to-node="9,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="9,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></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_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-445" 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;">Zero-Emission Battery-Electric Propulsion:</b> The three deployed 350-TEU barges are powered by containerized 2.4 MWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) marine battery packs paired with 360-degree azimuthing thrusters, enabling high low-speed maneuverability along crowded quay faces while producing zero harbor emissions</span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Automated Vacuum Mooring Stations:</b> Each terminal facility has designated a 90-meter shallow-draft pocket equipped with automated vacuum suction mooring pads. The barges secure alongside within 20 seconds without requiring manual line handlers, accelerating dock-and-release cycles.</p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-446" 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;">Specialized Quayside Crane Integration:</b> At each terminal junction, dedicated high-speed jib cranes and cantilever rail-mounted gantries (CRMGs) execute continuous twin-lift container handshakes directly between the barge deck and terminal yard stacks, achieving transfer handling rates exceeding 30 moves per gross crane hour</span><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-447" 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;">Active Cold-Chain Infrastructure:</b> The barges feature 60 onboard reefer plugs energized directly by the vessel’s auxiliary power bank, providing unbroken cooling telemetry for sensitive pharmaceuticals, fresh seafood, and temperature-sensitive apparel moving between regional feeders and transcontinental line-haulers</span><span data-path-to-node="10,3,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="11" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Cloud Integration with the Smart Port Community System</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="12" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-448" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="12,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">To ensure waterborne box movements match real-time container vessel scheduling, the barge relay is linked directly into Colombo’s cloud-based Smart Port Community System (PCS) and terminal operating software (TOS)</span><span data-path-to-node="12,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="12,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="13" 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="13,0,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-449" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="13,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="13,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Algorithmic Yard Load Optimization:</b> As mother vessels offload containers, the PCS automatically aggregates transshipment boxes sharing connecting feeder destinations and assigns them to the next departing barge rotation, eliminating unnecessary container yard handling</span><span data-path-to-node="13,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="13,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,1,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-450" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="13,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="13,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Paperless Digital Manifest Verification:</b> Electronic transshipment manifests and cryptographic customs approvals are cleared dynamically in the cloud while the barge is in transit, allowing incoming boxes to land directly under connecting feeder crane gantries without gate-slip re-audits or manual customs holds</span><span data-path-to-node="13,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="13,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,2,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-451" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="13,2,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="13,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Dynamic Navigational Slotting:</b> Harbor vessel traffic management (VTS) integrates barge trajectories into central basin radar tracking, synchronizing intra-port barge transits with the maneuvering windows of arriving 24,000-TEU Megamax carriers to maintain harbor navigational safety</span><span data-path-to-node="13,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="13,2,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="14" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b>Commercial Velocity and Transshipment Resiliency</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="15" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-452" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="15,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Maritime economists and port terminal executives emphasized that deploying a dedicated waterborne inter-terminal relay strengthens Colombo's operational resilience amid regional transshipment competition</span><span data-path-to-node="15,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="15,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="16" 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="16,0,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-453" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="16,0,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="16,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Slashing Inter-Terminal Dwell:</b> Initial operational runs indicate that total inter-terminal transit intervals across the harbor have dropped by more than 40%, guaranteeing that connecting export boxes from South India and Bangladesh make their assigned European and North American mother-vessel loops on schedule</span><span data-path-to-node="16,0,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="16,0,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="16,1,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-454" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="16,1,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="16,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Decompressing Gate Logistics:</b> Diverting thousands of container transfers onto harbor waterways removes over 1,400 daily vehicle trips from Colombo’s internal port road network, eliminating gate queues and reducing localized diesel emissions</span><span data-path-to-node="16,1,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="16,1,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="16,2,0" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-455" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span data-path-to-node="16,2,0,0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="16,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Safeguarding Regional Feeder Turnarounds:</b> By guaranteeing rapid container handovers between public and private quays, regional short-sea feeders operating coastal routes to Chennai, Tuticorin, and Chittagong can complete cargo operations and depart within an 18-hour turnaround window, lowering demurrage overheads and vessel operating costs</span><span data-path-to-node="16,2,0,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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="16,2,0,2" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><p data-path-to-node="17" id="p-rc_c1d70dff8ccdb9c0-456" 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 Sri Lanka Ports Authority confirmed that the automated waterborne barge shuttle is operating around the clock, with plans already underway to evaluate adding a fourth vessel to the inner-harbor circuit ahead of the upcoming fourth-quarter cargo rush</span><span data-path-to-node="17,1" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" 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></p>