The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) delegation has visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to advance cooperation on port operations, digital innovation, and sustainability.
Organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Brussels, the visit aims to formalize a strategic MoU between the Ports of Colombo and Antwerp-Bruges, focused on digitalization and sustainability.
SLPA Managing Director Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra led the delegation, meeting with PoABI and APEC officials, including Luc Arnouts, Vice President of International Relations.
Discussions centered on technical knowledge sharing, investment, green initiatives, and logistics development.
The group toured DP World’s highly automated Antwerp Gateway terminal and visited CMB.TECH’s Hydrogen Refueling Station, gaining insights into digital operations and clean energy technologies.
These examples are expected to inform SLPA’s port modernization efforts in Colombo and other ports like Galle and Trincomalee.
Colombo, South Asia’s main transshipment hub, stands to benefit from Antwerp’s expertise in terminal automation, sustainability, and hinterland connectivity.
Hemachandra said: “The Port of Colombo and our regional ports stand to benefit significantly from Antwerp’s advanced expertise in terminal operations, digital transformation, green initiatives, and sustainability frameworks.”
The MoU will formalize collaboration on training, technical exchange, and pilot projects, particularly in digitalization and decarbonization.
Both ports share commitments to lowering emissions, modernizing infrastructure, and building resilient global supply chains.
