A delegation from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges recently visited the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to explore new avenues for collaboration and to reinforce long-term maritime partnerships.
The delegation was led by Ms. Maartje Driessens, Head of Business Development, and Mr. Achille Sobry, Associate Manager and Regional Lead for the Indian Subcontinent. During their visit, they held discussions with SLPA’s senior management on strengthening future engagement between Sri Lanka’s port sector and one of Europe’s most influential maritime hubs.
As a leading European port, Antwerp-Bruges plays a pivotal role in global trade flows. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in logistics, port management, and sustainable development. SLPA expressed its readiness to formalise these initiatives through a prospective Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering long-term maritime collaboration.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been recognised as a key European contributor to Colombo’s growth, while Colombo maintains its position as a leading port in the region.
In addition to Colombo, the delegation also visited the Port of Trincomalee. Trincomalee, one of South Asia’s largest natural deep-water harbours, is earmarked by SLPA for development as a modern industrial port. The plan includes facilities for energy terminals, bulk cargo handling, storage, and maritime-related industries, positioning Trincomalee as a strategic complement to Colombo’s role as a leading container hub.
