The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) continued its engagement with leading global shipping partners this week, hosting senior representatives from A.P. Moller – Maersk’s Dubai Regional Hub as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and operational alignment at the Port of Colombo. The visit reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to supporting Colombo’s role as a strategic maritime hub within the regional and global container shipping network.
The Maersk delegation was led by Mr Adil Et-Tazrouti, Regional Hub Manager responsible for the Colombo hub, accompanied by Mr Abdulla Mussa Shaheen, Berth Planning Lead for the IME Regional Hub. Discussions focused on operational planning, berth productivity, service optimisation, and future coordination to support the efficient handling of Maersk services calling Colombo. From the SLPA, the delegation was headed by Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra, Managing Director, together with Mr H. J. K. U. Kumara, Director – Marketing & Business Development, Mr Pradeep Perera, Acting Director – Operations, and other senior officials.
A.P. Moller – Maersk traces its origins to 1904 in Denmark and has grown over more than a century into one of the world’s leading integrated logistics companies, with operations spanning ocean shipping, ports, supply chain management and inland logistics. A pioneer of containerisation from the 1970s, Maersk has played a defining role in shaping modern global trade and today operates in over 130 countries.
In line with its strategy to provide end-to-end logistics solutions, the Group expanded into air freight with the launch of Maersk Air Cargo in 2022, following the acquisition of Star Air, and now operates a dedicated fleet supporting time-critical cargo flows alongside its ocean network. Maersk has also invested heavily in digital platforms, terminal infrastructure and decarbonisation, including the deployment of dual-fuel methanol-powered container vessels.
Its longstanding engagement in South Asia and continued network optimisation highlight the strategic importance the company places on reliable hub ports such as Colombo to support evolving global trade demands.
