Transshipment hub · Sri Lanka
Port of Colombo
Colombo is a transshipment hub on the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka (South Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Sri Lanka
- UN/LOCODE
- LKCMB
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- South Asia
- Waters
- Indian Ocean
- Coordinates
- 6.95°N, 79.85°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 6.9 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 2,200 nm
About the port of Colombo
Colombo is South Asia’s main transshipment hub. A large share of its throughput is cargo relayed to and from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, thanks to its position close to the main East–West shipping lane.
Colombo works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Colombo handled approximately 6.9 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
South Asian ports are reached from Vietnam via the Strait of Malacca, either on direct intra-Asia loops or by transshipment in Singapore, Port Klang or Colombo.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Colombo | 2,200 | 6–8 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Colombo that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Colombo
Where is the port of Colombo?
Colombo is in Sri Lanka, on the Indian Ocean, in the South Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Colombo?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Colombo is LKCMB. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Colombo?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 2,200 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 6–8 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Colombo?
According to published rankings, Colombo handled approximately 6.9 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Colombo?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Colombo?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Colombo through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.