Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has become the only container terminal in the Port of Colombo to secure both ISO for Occupational Health and Safety Management and Environmental Management, marking a significant operational milestone for the port. This comes in the wake of the Port of Colombo facing high competition amongst other regional ports.

The dual certification provides independent, third-party verification that CICT’s safety and environmental systems meet internationally recognised standards. “It differentiates CICT in an increasingly competitive regional landscape where shipping lines are placing greater emphasis on safety, transparency and ESG alignment, reinforcing the terminal’s position as a key gateway for regional and global trade,” says Chief Executive Officer Jan Zhang.

The CEO says the achievement reflects a deliberate focus on structured systems, risk management and long-term operational resilience. “Achieving both ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 is a powerful testament to our belief that a robust safety culture and rigorous environmental stewardship are non-negotiable cornerstones of world-class terminal operations,” he said. “As a major hub in South Asia, we are committed to protecting our people, preserving our environment, and powering global trade.”

ISO 45001 has led to tighter standardisation of safety processes across the terminal’s high-volume operations. Hazard identification, incident reporting and risk assessment procedures have been strengthened and aligned across shifts, ensuring consistency regardless of operational demand.

A key outcome has been the refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), making them clearer and more actionable for frontline teams. According to CICT, improved adherence to SOPs has enhanced operational discipline and reduced the likelihood of disruptions, supporting uninterrupted cargo handling.

The terminal operates under what it describes as a “one position, dual role” approach, where every employee carries defined safety responsibilities alongside their primary function. Equipment operators, supervisors and administrative staff are expected to identify hazards, report concerns and contribute to ongoing improvements.

Chief Safety Officer Kevin Wang emphasised that the certification aligns CICT’s environmental management systems with the broader sustainability frameworks of China Merchants Port (CMP) and China Merchants Group (CMG), providing additional assurance to international carriers and logistics partners.

From Left to right Managing Director of Halcyon (Pvt) Ltd Rasitha Niroshan, General Manager SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Dileesh Sagara presenting the ISO certification to CICT CEO Jan Zhang, and Deputy CEO Jeffrey He

Thusshantha Weerasinghe, General Manager for HSE & Security at CICT, explained that the link between safety and operational performance is direct. “In a container terminal environment, risk management is not theoretical. Stronger safety systems translate into fewer disruptions and more resilient supply chains. ISO 45001:2018 strengthens how we manage those risks in a structured, measurable way.”

On the environmental front, ISO 14001:2015 has formalised and expanded CICT’s monitoring and control mechanisms. The terminal conducts regular testing of air quality, water discharge, noise levels and waste management, generating data that directly informs operational decision-making.

The General Manager added that the certification moves environmental management beyond compliance and into continuous performance tracking. “The ISO 14001 framework ensures we systematically identify, monitor and reduce environmental impact,” he said. “For our customers, this means their cargo is handled at a facility operating under internationally recognised environmental standards, which supports their own ESG and sustainability reporting.”

CICT maintains that efficiency and environmental responsibility are not competing priorities. By embedding environmental considerations into operational planning, the terminal has identified areas where optimising equipment usage reduces both emissions and fuel consumption, improving cost efficiency alongside environmental performance.
The company said the certifications form part of a broader continuous improvement cycle built around the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, supported by regular internal audits and management reviews to ensure standards are maintained and strengthened over time.

CICT is now working toward ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management, which would further formalise energy efficiency practices across terminal operations.
Source: Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT)