South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership container terminal, published its sustainability report for the period 2024/25 titled “Charting the Course”. This marks SAGT’s sixth consecutive report and demonstrates the Company’s progress in its 6-year sustainability journey.
SAGT is the only terminal in the Port of Colombo (PoC) to publish an independently accredited sustainability report on par with global reporting standards. With its pioneering spirit SAGT remains the only single terminal operator to set global best practice benchmarks in the South Asia region.
During the reporting period, SAGT achieved a significant operational target by achieving a 2 million TEUs throughput against its design capacity of 1.1 million TEU’s. This marks the third year in which SAGT has surpassed this milestone.
With the continued use of fossil fuels by the global maritime industry and resultant negative impacts of rising global temperatures on our planet, decarbonisation remains a primary focus for SAGT, striving to achieve net zero ahead of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) mandated 2050 target. Over the last five years SAGT has seen a 22% reduction in carbon intensity (kgCO2eq per container move). This is despite a 32% uptick in container volumes in 2024/25 compared to the previous reporting year, resulted in a 19% increase in the total carbon footprint during the year of review. Further, the carbon intensity also saw a marginal increase of 1% influenced by the increased volumes handled.
Accelerating its progress towards decarbonisation, SAGT invested in green technology by underwriting an independent study for the greening of the whole of the Port of Colombo. 6 Rubber Tyres Gantry Cranes (RTGs) were converted to hybrid technology during the period, expanding its hybrid RTG fleet from 22 to 28 machines. Investments were also made into renewable energy by installing a 460kW rooftop solar panel array which is projected to generate 3-5% of the Company’s electricity requirement. To further reduce dependence on fossil fuels, SAGT expects to invest in handling equipment electrification in the next financial year.
SAGT’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond terminal boundaries. The Company continued its collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability (CFS) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura on the restoration of 5 acres of the Yagirala Forest Reserve. Additionally, SAGT launched a three-year mangrove restoration project at the Benthara River Mangrove Complex in Iththapana in partnership with CFS which will introduce 2,000 mangrove saplings, contributing to carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and local community income generation. Team SAGT volunteered to assist CFS with the project execution which generated broader awareness on the impact of the Company’s mangrove restoration initiative among employees and their immediate communities spread far and wide.
The Company’s people-first approach was evident through a 42% increase in employee training hours compared to the previous year, covering health and safety, leadership, and technical skills development. SAGT also began implementing LEAN principles with guidance from the APMT Global LEAN Academy, introducing methodologies like KAIZEN and 5S to drive continuous improvement, waste management and employee-driven process efficiencies.
Improving gender diversity has been a key priority for SAGT, engaging relevant regulatory agencies as necessary to overcome archaic port rules that prevent women entering the port controlled areas after dusk. In a groundbreaking development, SAGT obtained special regulatory approval to integrate females into night shift operational roles. 12 female graduates were onboarded in January 2025, overcoming long-standing industry barriers. The company’s determination to make a difference was reflected in this initiative and represents a significant milestone in paving the way to promoting gender equality within Sri Lanka’s Port sector. Female representation in the organisation increased from the previously stagnated 4% to 6% during the reporting year. The company has an aspirational goal to realise a 20% female employee quotient by 2027.
Workplace safety is a core value of SAGT and is at the heart of the Company’s operations. During the reporting period, the Company implemented the phased launch of its digital Safety Management System (SMS) consolidating all safety-related processes into one integrated platform. The system accessible to SAGTs entire workforce improves the transparency and efficacy of all safety-related outcome.
Commenting on the publication, Romesh David, CEO of SAGT stated, “Our sixth consecutive sustainability report reflects our leadership and unwavering commitment to setting benchmarks in the Port of Colombo. The achievement of 2 million TEUs while simultaneously advancing our sustainability agenda demonstrates that operational excellence and environmental responsibility can be achieved together. The expansion of our hybrid RTG fleet and rooftop solar installation represent significant steps toward our decarbonisation objectives, aligned with Sri Lanka’s obligations towards net zero in 2050. We are particularly proud of breaking gender barriers in our industry by employing female graduates in operational roles, paving the way for greater inclusivity across the port sector. As we look ahead, our planned investments in digitisation, including OCR technology and automated systems, will further enhance our operational efficiency while supporting our sustainability goals.”
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership container terminal, commenced operations in 1999 with a vision to be the most trusted Gateway in the Indian Ocean. Built on a foundation of Teamwork, Safety, Trust and Integrity, Customer Centricity & Excellence, SAGT presents the international trading community a competitive best-in-class service. A pioneer in sustainable terminal operations, SAGT continues to steer course for a sustainable future. Promoting “Ease of doing business” through digitalization and digitization is an integral part of SAGT’s DNA. SAGT is a recipient of multiple independent globally recognized “best practice” awards since inception.
SAGT is a Board of Investment flagship company whose shareholders include – John Keells Holdings, Maersk/APM Terminals, SLPA and Evergreen Marine Corporation.