South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first public-private partnership (PPP) and flagship venture of the Board of Investment (BOI), has been awarded the Bronze Award for ‘Outstanding Partnership and Excellence in Service’ at the Hapag-Lloyd Supplier Recognition Awards 2024. The award, judged on 5 criteria included Quality of Services, Compliance, Innovation, and Sustainability and highlighted SAGT’s commitment to excellence in the maritime industry.
Hapag Lloyd is ranked number four (4) on the global container shipping leaderboard by fleet size and capacity.
Notably, SAGT was the only terminal in South Asia to make it to the winner’s podium. Once again, showcasing the capability of the Port of Colombo.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It reflects the unwavering commitment and hard work of Team SAGT. This recognition by Hapag-Lloyd reinforces our dedication to providing world-class service to SAGT’s customers. It validates the company’s strategic investments in sustainability, digitalization, and operational efficiency. We are committed to continuously pushing boundaries, setting new industry standards, and ensuring that SAGT remains a leading and trusted partner in the global maritime industry.” stated Ted Muttiah, Chief Commercial Officer of SAGT.
A key driver of the company’s success is its focus on sustainability, safety, and digitalization. Aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 net-zero target, SAGT has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. Ongoing sustainability initiatives include exploring electrification of terminal equipment and solar energy solutions.
With digitalization and automation, SAGT is in the process of automating their gates and introducing a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) for trucks that will optimize truck turnaround times and reduce port congestion. This system will enable shippers, consignees, truck operators, and other port users to manage container movements and track container status via a mobile app.
Furthermore, the Company has implemented a Digital Safety Management System, integrating all safety-related tasks into a single platform, a first for the Port of Colombo, ensuring a more efficient approach to safety management.
Recently the company achieved a significant milestone of handling two million TEUs during the 2024 calendar year. This marks the third time in its 25-year history that SAGT has reached this milestone, previously achieved in 2018 and 2019, and notably, the first-time post-pandemic and amidst Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, highlighting the company’s resilience and operational strength. Achieving a throughput of 2 million TEUs per annum positions SAGT among the top terminals globally in terms of TEUs per hectare of yard, solidifying its regional leadership and supporting the Port of Colombo’s growth as a major transshipment hub.
This award signifies SAGTs journey and its role in propelling the Port of Colombo as key transshipment hub in the region. As the Port evolves with increased deep draft capacity through developments in the East and West Container Terminals, SAGT remains committed to driving operational excellence and setting new standards in automation, sustainability, and safety.
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership container terminal commenced operations in 1999 with a vision to be the most trusted Gateway in the Indian ocean. Built on a foundation of Teamwork, Safety, Trust and Integrity, Customer Centricity & Excellence, SAGT presents the international trading community a competitive best in class service. A pioneer in sustainable terminal operations, SAGT continues to steer course for a sustainable future. Promoting “Ease of doing business” through digitalization and digitization is an integral part of SAGT’s DNA. SAGT is a recipient of multiple independent globally recognized “best practice” awards since inception.
SAGT is a Board of Investment flagship company whose shareholders include – John Keells Holdings, Maersk/APM Terminals, SLPA and Evergreen Marine Corporation.
