The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Terminals and CMA CGM have recently entered into a Terminal Service Agreement designed to bolster business collaboration and attract greater container volumes to the Port of Colombo. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of senior officials from both organizations. Representing SLPA were Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe (Rtd), Chairman; Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra, Managing Director; and Mr. U. Kumara, Director of Marketing & Business Development, along with other senior officers.
From CMA CGM and its local partner Hayleys Advantis, attendees included 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 of Operations.
Headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM ranks among the world’s largest container shipping companies, operating more than 650 vessels across over 160 countries. The company offers container shipping, freight forwarding, and integrated logistics services, maintaining a presence in Sri Lanka through its local operations in partnership with Hayleys PLC. Its services connect Colombo with a wide array of international markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, thereby supporting both direct trade flows and transshipment operations.
The Terminal Service Agreement formalizes the operational and commercial arrangements between SLPA Terminals and CMA CGM. This agreement establishes a framework for scheduling vessel calls, coordinating cargo handling, and enhancing overall efficiency at the port. Leveraging CMA CGM’s global expertise in shipping and terminal operations, the agreement is expected to improve service management and facilitate the handling of increased container volumes through Colombo.
