Export container enters Colombo Port via train for the first time

For the first time in four decades, a trainload of export containers entered the port recently.

The operation was carried out by SG Logistics – a part of the Expolanka group – originating from Colombo carrying the empty containers to the Prima Factory in Trincomalee.

The laden containers then travelled back from Trincomalee to the Colombo Port.

“A train can generally carry around 20-24 TEUs. However, we decided to carry out the first operation with just 10TEUs as we were unsure of the local track conditions for the operation. It was 100% successful – and a special thank you note should go out to all the Government authorities involved who were extremely cooperative in this regard.  The operation was carried out successfully using the resources within the Expolanka Group and the main shareholders of the success are UCL Logistics, Expolanka Freight and Logistics Support Services. This is the first time in the history of the Colombo Port that a load of export containers entered via train. It certainly is groundbreaking in the logistics business – and we at Expolanka Group are proud to have been the first to do this,” stated Niroza Gazzali, CEO of SG Logistics.

This initiative, taken up due to SG Logistics’ partnering with DB Schenker and its focus on being more environmentally conscious, led to the decision to experiment with utilising the country’s rail network for the transportation of containers.

“The railway was initially built to transport coffee and tea from the hill country to Colombo for export and it was for many years, the country’s main source of income. With population growth and the increase of passenger traffic in the 1960s the main source of business overtook from freight to passenger transport. However today SG Logistics (Pvt) Limited was quite successful in regenerating this operation by moving 10 containers on rail flats to the Colombo Port for exports. This is quite a big achievement after four decades, taking into consideration that all these operations were done by making use of the very limited and existing resources we currently have,” stated B. A. P. Ariyaratne, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways.

Traditionally, in Sri Lanka, containers are transported via road – sometimes posing many logistical challenges and sometimes even leading to unforeseen delays. Using the railway network for transporting containers presents minimum pilferage and produces significantly less environmental pollution. Logistically, the rail network allows for bulk movement in one go and enables single point tracking.

Sri Lanka Railways Additional General Manager Nalaka Bandara, commenting on SG Logistics’ initiative, said: “Cargo containers were transported quite sometimes back during the ‘60s from the Port of Colombo. However since then for the first time today, we once again reactivated the facility of the ship-to-rail cargo transfer facility. This operation was done under the guidelines and the fullest support of Secretary of the Transport Ministry Dhammika Perera and Sri Lanka Railway’s GM B.A.P. Ariyarathne. Introducing the rail service at port terminals for handling export would reduce the congestions we face when cargo enters the port as well as difficulties faced at road and bridge restrictions.  This is in a way is both economically productive and environmentally friendly and we appreciate SG Logistics’ efforts towards making it a success.”

Commenting on this further, Gazzali stated that SG Logistics was currently working very closely with Sri Lanka Railways and was confident of finding the necessary solutions to make this a common mode for transporting containers across the country. The company is keen to follow top global trends and is currently focusing on the latest, being ‘green logistics’ – under which train transportation comes highly recommended.

SG Logistics was established in 1999 as part of the Expolanka Group, which commenced operations in 1978. As a service provider, it understands the needs of valuable customers. Therefore, it is committed to ensure clients receive the fullest service and attention, business requires to maintain and expand.

SG Logistics guarantees the same high quality service level whether it be a personal effects or a commercial shipment. It is proud to see the continuous growth of customer base who are valued the benefits that are offered to them by enthusiastic group of professional staff.

SG Logistics always move with new tools and technologies that can help clients enhance their communications with their customers. “Rather than building new technology ourselves, we integrate proven solutions for our clients that give them a competitive advantage through our strategic partner DB Schenker Logistics, who is considered as one of the world leaders in providing overall logistics solution,” the company added.