May 17, 2024
Aitken Spence Logistics, member of the Aitken Spence conglomerate, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Container Freight Station (CFS), between the Port of Colombo and the Bandaranaike International Airport. This 100,000 sq. ft. facility is located in close proximity to EPS (Export Promotion Sone) in Katunayake and is built within the logistics complex in Mabole, Wattala, very well connected to the highway network across the island.
This facility accelerates the speed of supply chain, as it facilitates the pickup of empty containers within a few metres of radius, consolidates and exports commodities to consumers bringing speed to market, cost efficiency and synergies. By minimising movement of trucks and equipment positioning, this facility significantly reduces carbon emission and brings greener eco-friendly practices to the supply-chain.
This game-changing proposition will advance Aitken Spence Logistics’ contribution to the region’s logistics landscape.
Featuring cutting-edge infrastructure designed to meet the diverse needs of various industry verticals, the facility boasts 32 loading docks and a staggering 15,000 pallet positions, with an expansive storage capacity of 20,000 Cubic Meters (CBM) to accommodate the evolving demands of the dynamic market.
The CFS stands as a strategic powerhouse for export consolidation, offering synergistic benefits through a container depot and an owned transport fleet. This holistic approach fosters operational efficiency, cost advantages, and greater control over the entire logistics ecosystem.
Advanced technologies seamlessly integrated into CFS operations provide real-time visibility of cargo movements, contributing to enhanced efficiency and transparency across the supply chain. The new CFS places a strong emphasis on customs compliance and security, with rigorous measures and protocols in place to safeguard cargo integrity and ensure adherence to international standards.
Moreover, in-house Customs and Quality Assurance (QA) centres within the CFS enhance the consolidation process and offer flexible storage solutions tailored to clients’ diverse needs.
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence, commenting on this milestone, expressed his pride in the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Container Freight Station. “This facility represents a crucial step forward in our mission to drive growth and innovation in the logistics industry. With its strategic positioning and advanced infrastructure, this station will undoubtedly have a profound impact on facilitating trade and economic development in the region.”
This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also presents a strategic advantage for various global customers and local suppliers in the retail and lifestyle sector. Moreover, Aitken Spence Logistics’ new facility is strategically positioned to leverage Sri Lanka’s advantageous geographical position as a vital hub for trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, further solidifying its role in facilitating seamless global trade.
Aitken Spence Logistics will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions, including storage, inventory management, and distribution, serving global and local customers offering synergistic benefits through a container depot and an owned transport fleet, providing faster movements of containers into the consolidation point and to the port.
Aitken Spence’s commitment to operational excellence, supply chain value creation through seamless multi modal connectivity, sustainable practices, is an unparalleled service delivery very much in line with the ethos of Team Aitken Spence, demonstrated over the years.
Aitken Spence Logistics is committed to sustainability, evident in the construction of the new CFS with a focus on environmental considerations. Incorporating rainwater harvesting, energy efficient lighting systems, and solar module compatibility, the company aims for environmentally friendly operations, minimising supply-chain movements dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting green logistics practices.
The facility has been exclusively leased out to Maersk Lanka. Present in the inauguration were Dr Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence, Mr. Janaka Gunawardena, Chief Executive Officer of Aitken Spence Logistics, members of the Board and the Management Council, Mr. Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director of Maersk South Asia, Mr. Biju Ravi, Country Manager of Maersk Sri Lanka and other leaders.
A member of the blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence, Aitken Spence Logistics is the pioneering integrated logistics solutions providers in the country with major interests in container freight station, warehousing and 3PL, inland container terminal and container repair services, transportation and distribution, mobile storage solutions and project cargo logistics.
With over four decades of experience, Aitken Spence Logistics provides end to end supply chain management solutions to a reputed clientele comprising of international shipping lines, freight forwarders, MNCs and other local and international corporates.
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Image Captions : 100,000 sq ft New Container Freight Station
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC, and Mr. Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director South Asia A.P. Moller-Maersk, officially open the facility with Mr. Janaka Gunawardena, Chief Executive Officer – Aitken Spence Logistics looks on (from the left).
Celebrating the inauguration with board of directors, management council members of Aitken Spence and representatives of Maersk
