Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Port of Colombo

LKCMB🇱🇰Sri Lanka

Port Location

About Port of Colombo

Also known as: Colombo Harbor, Colombo Harbour

This is Sri Lanka's largest and busiest port, situated on the Indian Ocean's southwestern coast. It functions as a key Asian transshipment hub, handling diverse cargo including containers. The port features mobile and floating cranes, with lifting capacities up to 100 MT.

Background
The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean. Located in Colombo, on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. During the 1980s, the port underwent rapid modernization with the installation of cranes, gantries and other modern-day terminal requirements.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
13.05m
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Terminals
4

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
1248987 →
Wikidata
Q763007 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.slpa.lk →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
LKCMB
Country
🇱🇰Sri Lanka
Time Zone
UTC+5:30
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Subdivision
LK-11
Area
East Coast India
Sub-area
Laccadive Sea
Body of Water
Indian Ocean
Latitude
6.9535°
Longitude
79.8465°

Terminals (4)

JAYA CONTAINER TERMINAL

JAYA CONTAINER TERMINAL

Chaithya Rd, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

www.slpa.lk →

COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL

COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINALS LTD.

120/20 Chaithya Rd, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

www.cict.lk →

SOUTH ASIA GATEWAY TERMINALS (SAGT)

SOUTH ASIA GATEWAY TERMINALS PVT. LTD.

P.O. BOX 141, Colombo, Sri Lanka

www.sagt.com.lk →

UNITY CONTAINER TERMINAL

UNITY CONTAINER TERMINAL

Chaithya Rd, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

www.slpa.lk →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Track ships at the Port of Colombo in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at LKCMB — straight from your phone.

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Colombo?+
The controlling depth at Colombo is 13.05 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Colombo?+
The approach to Colombo is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Colombo Island Breakwater South End Lighthouse at 0.1 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Colombo Pilot Station (0.1 NM WSW), Colombo Southwest Breakwater (0.2 NM NW), Colombo Island Breakwater North End (0.5 NM NNE), Colombo Northeast Breakwater (0.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Colombo on?+
The Port of Colombo is situated on the Bay of Bengal in LK. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Colombo?+
You can track vessels near Colombo (LKCMB) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for LKCMB on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Colombo?+
The Port of Colombo operates in the UTC+5:30 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Colombo?+
COLOMBO (UN/Locode: LKCMB), Sri Lanka is a seaport located at approximately 6.95350° N, 79.84650° E.
Where is the Port of Colombo located?+
Coordinates: 6.95350° N, 79.84650° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Colombo?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts and 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 12.5m - 13.7m; anchorage depth 23.2m - OVER; cargo pier depth 14m - 15.2m; oil terminal depth 20.1m - 21.3m and maximum draft approx. 13.05 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Colombo?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Colombo?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Colombo?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Colombo?+
Ship suppliers include AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering Management.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Colombo?+
Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd.