Colombo International Container Terminals puts into trial operation
Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), a subsidiary of CMHI, ushered the TerminalsЁЏ maiden operation of vessel M/V Coromandel V. 215, signifying CICT putting into trial operation, said in the company's press release. To celebrate this historic moment, a blessing ceremony was performed at CICT berth site.CMG Assistant President cum CMHI Managing Director Dr. HU Jianhua, CMHI Overseas Operation Director cum CICT CEO Mr. Nelson Liu, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) President Mr. Wickrama, SLPA Managing Director Mr. Nihal, CMBL General Manager Mr. Yu Shixin and CICT management were present at the opening blessing ceremony, after which Mr. HU Jianhua presented a maiden operation souvenir to the Captain, expressing his gratitude to the shipping company for their cooperation.
Vessel Coromandel belongs to line MAA, which commutes between Chennai (India) and Colombo. The vessels is 170 meters long, with a designed capacity of 1200 TEU, 680 loaded containers are to be discharged during this call at CICT. In order to ensure a successful opening and operation, CICT staff made considerable while detailed preparation beforehand. On 19 June, Mr. Jagath P. Wijeweera, Director of Sri Lanka General Administration of Customs paid a visit to CICT, he fully affirmed the construction progress and future development of CICT. On 22 June, organized by Colombo Commander Department of the Navy, CICT conducted International shipping and port security (ISPS) exercises, effect of which was well recognized by the Navy.
CMHI owns an 85% interest in CICT, there will be altogether 4 berths and a quay length of 1200 meters, with a designed handling capacity of 2.4 million TEU, the first phase project covers 400 meters quay length. CMHI submitted bid plan recommendation to SLPA in July of 2009 and the BOT Agreement was signed in Shenzhen in August 2011. On 16 December, 2011, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka waved a CMHI flag at the site of CICT, announcing the commencement of CICTЁЏs construction.