SLPA and CMA CGM Sign Terminal Service Agreement to Enhance Colombo Port Operations

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Terminals and global shipping leader CMA CGM have signed a Terminal Service Agreement aimed at strengthening business collaboration and attracting higher container volumes to the Port of Colombo.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe (Rtd), Chairman of SLPA, Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra, Managing Director, and Mr. U. Kumara, Director – Marketing & Business Development, alongside other senior officers from SLPA. Representing CMA CGM and its local partner Hayleys Advantis were Mr. Shano Sabar, Deputy Managing Director and Chairman of CASA, Mr. Eric van den Driesen, Country General Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Pasan Periyapperuma, Head of Operations, and Mr. Romesh Nugera, Assistant Manager – Operations.

Headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, operating over 650 vessels across more than 160 countries. The company provides container shipping, freight forwarding, and integrated logistics services, with its Sri Lankan operations managed through a partnership with Hayleys PLC. CMA CGM’s network connects Colombo to a wide range of international markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, supporting both direct trade and transhipment activities.

The Terminal Service Agreement formalises operational and commercial arrangements between SLPA Terminals and CMA CGM, establishing a framework for vessel scheduling, cargo handling coordination, and enhanced port efficiency. Leveraging CMA CGM’s global expertise, the collaboration is expected to improve service management and facilitate the handling of higher container volumes through Colombo, strengthening the port’s position as a key regional transhipment hub.