Latest omission of Colombo Port sparks fear among exporters

EXPORTERS are yet again faced with challenges as operational delays in the Port of Colombo have resulted in vessels omitting the Port of Colombo and going on to ports in India where their cargo is unloaded with minimal delay.

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These last-minute omissions by lines at Colombo leave exporters with no options, as the cargo destined for Colombo could be as late as two weeks from the original date.

Last week, the vessel operator ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., ship MV Shanghai 018W, which was due in Colombo on 14 September, advised its Sri Lankan clients that the vessel will omit Colombo and go on to India, only to return to Colombo 10 days later.