Action has been taken to construct a storage tank with a capacity of 5,200 metric tonnes at a cost of Rs 110 million to enhance the present storage capacity of 29,500 metric tonnes.

It has been proposed to lay the foundation stone for the replacement of the existing obsolete pipe lines at a cost of Rs 150 million to improve efficiency in the transfer of marine fuel from the Colombo Port to the Colombo Oil Bank, the media release said.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority has developed a new North pier as a multi purpose berth at a cost of Rs 30 million for the berthing of oil tankers.
Steps are being taken to strengthen the South Pier by providing additional facilities by the Ports Authority at a cost of Rs 25 million.

A feasibility study is being conducted to identify the most suitable location to construct another tank for the storage of marine diesel oil which will cost around Rs 90 million.

The SLPA in the process of replacing engines and pumps at the pump house with boilers, fire fighting equipment and other equipment at a cost of Rs 60 million to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the services rendered by the Colombo Oil Bank.

Marine fuel supplied to vessels at the Colombo Port in 2008 had been 21,000 metric tonnes and this has now been increased up to 27,000 metric tones.

Eight Bunker Licence Holders registered in 2008 have now been increased to eleven. Facilities to accommodate excess quantities of petroleum products based on the import plans will be arranged at the weekly meetings, it further said.