CICT wins award for the Most Efficient Terminal Operator at Global Ports Forum Awards

CICT Senior General Manager – Commercial and Marketing Catriona Jayasundera (right) receives the award at the Global Ports Forum Awards ceremony

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) excelled recently at the Global Ports Forum Awards 2021 and was awarded the title of the Most Efficient Terminal Operator for the year 2021. 

The award recognises an international port or terminal operator that has achieved exceptional excellence in terminal efficiency by enhancing capacity and productivity through sustainable and consistent growth, while also providing high quality of service and value additions to customers. 

Presented to CICT at the Global Ports Forum Awards ceremony, held at the Shangri-La, Dubai on 28 March, the award for the Most Efficient Terminal Operator was accepted on behalf of CICT by Senior General Manager – Commercial and Marketing Catriona Jayasundera. CICT received this accolade in recognition of its exceptional performance in 2021. 

Efficiency is a huge focus area for CICT, and a key differentiator for the organisation, as it firmly believes that operational efficiency is one of the most valued benefits offered by a container terminal. CICT has been working hard to ensure the highest levels of productivity. Thus, achieving this award brings global recognition, not just to CICT, but also to the Port of Colombo.

Expressing her gratitude, Jayasundera said: “This year’s accolade is of significant importance to us, as we have battled against the odds and faced unsurmountable challenges, but found a way around it all to deliver the highest standards of service and productivity, to which our customers have become accustomed. This award celebrates our diligent efforts and our unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity. 

“Thus, we take this opportunity to not only thank the Global Ports Forum, but also our valued customers and partners, who have stood together with us as we unwaveringly worked towards mutual objectives. We look forward to utilising the experience we have gained, and lessons we have learned, to push the boundaries even further to deliver the best service standards, productivity and efficiency in the future.” 

The award for Most Efficient Terminal Operator 2021 is the second international award received by CICT for its efforts in the immediate post-COVID environment. Last year, in November, CICT was recognised as the Best Container Terminal in Asia (under four million teu category), for a record fifth consecutive year at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain awards. The Award for Most Efficient Terminal is granted to a terminal that has excelled in terms of efficiency and productivity, and is the result of a rigorous judging process, conducted by an independent panel made up of industry experts and veterans.

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), which is managed by China Merchants Port Group (CMPort), is responsible for the management of the South Terminal of the Port of Colombo, the first deep water terminal in South Asia, equipped with all facilities to handle the largest vessels afloat. Since its inception in 2014, the terminal has incrementally grown the volumes it handles; from 686,639 teus in 2014 to 3.2 million teus in 2021