SLPA aims to boost efficiency at Colombo Port with Rs.1bn investment in electric prime movers
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is set to enhance its operational capacity and environmental credentials with the procurement of 20 new electrically operated prime movers at a cost of Rs.1 billion.
Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayaka this week sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to procure 20 new electrically operated prime movers, in a bid to modernise the port’s vehicle fleet and align with the global sustainability trends.
According to the Government Information Department, this move will see the new electric vehicles integrated into the interterminal transport activities within the bustling Port of Colombo. This strategic investment is funded through the SLPA’s capital budget for 2025/2026 and will be executed under an international competitive procurement procedure.
This decision signals a forward-thinking shift in the SLPA’s procurement strategy. An earlier plan to purchase diesel-powered terminal tractors has been revised in favour of the more technologically advanced and eco-friendly electric prime movers, reflecting the “contemporary requirement of the SLPA”.
Prime movers are the workhorses of any major port, playing a pivotal role in the seamless flow of containerised cargo. These powerful vehicles are responsible for the horizontal transportation of containers, shuttling them between the quay cranes that unload ships, container yards for storage and gate complexes, where they are transferred to trucks for inland distribution.
The efficiency and reliability of the prime mover fleet are directly linked to a port’s overall productivity and turnaround times for vessels. A well-equipped and modern fleet ensures that the containers are moved swiftly and safely, minimising delays and maximising the handling capacity of the terminals. For a major transshipment hub such as the Port of Colombo, this efficiency is a critical competitive advantage.
The acquisition is a timely intervention for the SLPA, which currently operates a fleet of 119 prime movers and terminal tractors. According to the Information Department, a significant portion of this fleet, 60 vehicles, is over 20 years old and prone to frequent and costly repairs, impacting operational reliability.
The introduction of 20 new electric prime movers will not only replace a portion of this aging, diesel-guzzling machinery but also bring a host of benefits. Electric prime movers offer zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to a significant reduction in the port’s carbon footprint and creating a healthier working environment for port employees. They also typically have lower operational and maintenance costs compared to their diesel counterparts, due to fewer moving parts and freedom from volatile fuel prices.
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