SAGT hits new record in annual throughput

South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) marked a new record in annual throughput in 2007. SAGT handled 1,546,497 TEUS last year, a 16% volume growth compared to last year, company sources said.

In 2007, the domestic throughput volume of SAGT increased by 26% while the transshipment volume increased by 13%. SAGT handled 1,208 vessels in 2007.

SAGT recorded an impressive productivity improvement during the last year and vessel productivity increased by 26% and gross crane rate improved by 15% compared to 2006. The company said that the commitment and the team spirit of the “SAGT Team” was the key for this success.

SAGT will maintain this productivity improvement and is planning to improve its terminal equipment this year.

A super post panamax quay crane with a twin lift and three new rubber tyred gantries are scheduled to be operational by the end of October this year. This crane is the first of its kind to be deployed in the Port of Colombo.

The crane has an outreach of 52 metres, an air draft of 41 metres and a lifting capacity of 50 tons under the spreader and 65 tons under the hook.

SAGT has also invested to improve its computer system.

The company has signed an agreement with a reputed global IT firm specialising in port related systems to implement a fully automated differential global position system (DGPS) at SAGT. The project will be completed soon.

The new system will be an accurate satellite based position detection facility. Accurate position detection is crucial for efficient yard and vessel planning and therefore the facility will help SAGT to enhance the planning process. GW