Sagt - Quarter Century Of Maritime Excellence

By Author: Mr. Ted Muttiah
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South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s contemporary port and maritime history, celebrates its silver jubilee this year, marking a quarter of a century of success, growth, and resilience. Established in 1999 as the first public-private partnership container terminal operator in the Port of Colombo, SAGT has over the past 25 years, consistently set the benchmark in all aspects, by facilitating global trade to and through the South Asia region with world-class operational excellence.

Since its inception, SAGT has been at the forefront of reshaping container terminal operations in Sri Lanka. The initial years saw the transformation of the historic Queen Elizabeth Quay into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure and growing from that, providing customer-centric solutions to the international container shipping community is deeply ingrained in the company’s ethos, to date.

SAGT's success is built on sustainable, customer-focused operational excellence, with safety at its core. The terminal consistently delivers high performance, earning ...
... global recognition for best practices. This is achieved through a skilled workforce and investments in advanced IT systems, real-time tracking, e-port solutions, and safety management. These efforts ensure reliable, world-class service, helping to establish the Port of Colombo as a leading transhipment hub in the region.

Diversity has also been a crucial element in SAGT's growth. The terminal's ownership structure, comprising local and international stakeholders has fostered a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. This diverse partnership has enabled SAGT to leverage global expertise while staying rooted in local values, creating a unique environment that thrives on innovation and shared aspirations. The introduction of policies such as paternity leave, the first and to date only employer to do so within the Port of Colombo, reflects SAGT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values the contributions of its human capital.

Sustainability, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals in Sri Lanka, has become a key focus for SAGT, particularly as the maritime industry aims for decarbonization and net-zero emissions. The company supports the International Maritime Organization's 2050 net-zero goal and is working ahead of schedule to reduce its carbon footprint in the Port of Colombo. Key initiatives like converting Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes to hybrid models have significantly lowered greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023/24, diesel consumption per RTG move dropped by 23%, and total emissions over the past five years have decreased by more than 36%.

Adding to this, ongoing projects, such as the feasibility study on implementing green hydrogen technology, the installation of solar energy solutions, retrofitting existing equipment with more energy efficient and green technology, reduction in groundwater withdrawal, promotion of ocean health through partnerships with organizations like the World Ocean Council and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), further highlight the Company’s continuing commitment to globally benchmarked, sustainable best practices.

SAGT’s commitment to sustainable business extends beyond its immediate operations. The terminal has engaged in numerous CSR initiatives, reaching over 1.5 million beneficiaries in vulnerable sections of the community through various programs.