The Port of Tianjin in China has expressed its willingness to assist in transforming the Port of Colombo, which is currently operating as a global container port, into a green port.

On 29 April, a special delegation led by the Chairman of the Tianjin Port visited the Minister at the Ministry’s office.

The Port of Tianjin, now ranked ninth in the global container port rankings, has joined other major container ports across the world in launching efforts to become green ports to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), scientific consensus affirms that increasing industrialisation and the associated rise in global warming caused by CO2 emissions are significant causes of natural catastrophes caused by climate and weather changes across the world.

As a result, there is a suggestion to prioritise the use of green ammonia to reduce dependency on different fossil fuels.

During the discussion, the Minister reportedly thanked the team for assisting the Port of Colombo in its transition to a green port. He praised the Port of Tianjin for exporting the ‘Green Port Concept’ to other ports across the world, utilising China’s expertise as a leader in industrialisation and port operations.

The conversation also included the delegation’s interest in supporting future improvements at the Port of Galle, as well as their complete support for the Colombo North Port’s future development plans.

In March, the Port of Colombo witnessed an increase in transshipments by 29.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in February, marking the third consecutive month of growth.