What Aitken Spence Logistics does

Aitken Spence Logistics, founded in 1984, is Sri Lanka's largest integrated logistics provider and a wholly-owned subsidiary of blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC (listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange). The company operates the country's largest inland container terminal (7,000+ TEUs combined storage), the largest GPS-enabled transportation fleet (100+ prime movers and trucks), and over 800,000 sq. ft. of warehousing and container freight station space across multiple complexes in Wattala, Welisara, Katunayake, and other locations strategically positioned between Port of Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. Its service portfolio spans Container Freight Station operations, Inland Container Terminal services, container repair and rigging, transportation, 3PL/4PL warehousing, mobile storage solutions (with >50% reefer container rental market share following a 2022 competitor acquisition), project cargo logistics, EPZ operations at Katunayake, weighbridge facilities with VGM certification, and a newer container conversion business under Ace Distriparks.

Revenue is generated through transaction fees on container handling, freight, and project cargo; managed services for 3PL/4PL warehousing; and equipment rental for mobile storage. The customer base is enterprise B2B and includes Huawei (exclusive supply chain partner since 2019), SIEMENS, Ceylon Electricity Board, JMT Joint Venture (Kelani Bridge), Maersk Lanka (exclusive CFS lease), Hapag Lloyd, DB Schenker, and the largest telecom infrastructure provider in Sri Lanka. Distribution is direct enterprise sales with no third-party resellers. The technology backbone is Oracle Warehouse Management integrated with Oracle E-Business Suite (deployed 2015), EDI/CEDEX container management systems, GPS fleet tracking, and Robotic Process Automation for documentation (implemented 2023 with Deloitte).

The company operates exclusively within Sri Lanka (no international footprint beyond its parent group's broader geography), with all operations in LKA. It maintains five wholly-owned subsidiaries (Ace Containers, Ace Distriparks, Ace Container Repair, Ace Container Terminals, Logilink) and is governed by CEO Janaka Gunawardena (promoted from COO, with prior senior roles at Unilever Sri Lanka, DHL Nepal, GAC Pakistan/UAE, and John Keells Group). Aitken Spence Logistics has invested Rs. 1.5 billion in a new 100,000 sq. ft. CFS facility (inaugurated 2024, exclusively leased to Maersk Lanka) and pursues a strategy of one-stop-shop integrated logistics with emphasis on sustainability (ISO certifications across multiple facilities, 2025 CILT Sustainability Award) and digital innovation.

Name

Aitken Spence Logistics

Legal name

Aitken Spence Logistics

Website

https://aitkenspencelogistics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Aitken Spence Logistics is Sri Lanka's largest integrated logistics provider, operating the country's biggest inland container terminal, GPS-enabled fleet, and 800,000+ sq. ft. of warehousing. Founded in 1984 as a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, it serves enterprise clients including Huawei, Maersk, and SIEMENS with CFS, transportation, 3PL/4PL, project cargo, and mobile storage solutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Integrated Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance (48423), Specialized Freight Trucking (4842)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Trucking (No Local) (4213)

akta.pro primary industry

Project Cargo Logistics & Transport Management (TLADAGAB)

Keywords

• Integrated logistics services
• Container freight station
• Inland container terminal
• Warehousing and 3PL
• Project cargo logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Wattala

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Container Freight Station (CFS) Operations: Export cargo consolidation services, storage, and handling of containers with in-house customs facilities.
2. Inland Container Terminal Services: Storage and handling of empty and laden containers with equipment maintenance for shipping lines.
3. Transportation & Distribution: Container transportation, distribution services, and fleet management for cargo movement across Sri Lanka.
4. Warehousing & 3PL/4PL Management: Third-party and fourth-party logistics management, inventory management, and customized storage solutions.
5. Container Repair & Rigging: Container repair, GOH conversions, container washing, reefer container repairs, and pre-trip inspections.
6. Project Cargo Logistics: Heavy over-dimensional cargo handling, route surveying, transport management, and site installation services.
7. Mobile Storage Solutions: Rental fleet of reefer and general purpose containers for flexible storage needs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Aitken Spence Logistics is Sri Lanka's pioneering integrated logistics provider, delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions through Container Freight Station operations, Inland Container Terminal services, container repair and rigging, transportation with GPS-enabled fleet, warehousing and 3PL/4PL management, mobile storage container rentals, and specialized project cargo logistics. The company serves shipping lines, freight forwarders, telecommunications providers, power and construction companies, and government entities through company-owned facilities, technology platforms including Oracle WMS and RPA, and a 100+ vehicle GPS-tracked fleet.

Product overview

Aitken Spence Logistics is Sri Lanka's pioneering integrated logistics solutions provider, offering a unified platform of interconnected services built around its core facilities and fleet. The platform is anchored by its Container Freight Station (CFS) — a 100,000 sq. ft. hub for export consolidation featuring 32 loading docks and 15,000 pallet positions — and its Inland Container Terminal, the largest in the country with 7,000+ TEU capacity. These core infrastructure assets are supported by Container Repair & Rigging Services, a 24x7 workshop for heavy repairs and GOH conversions; a Transportation division operating Sri Lanka's largest GPS-enabled fleet of 100+ prime movers and trucks; and Warehousing & 3PL/4PL Management covering 800,000+ sq. ft. of warehouse space across multiple complexes. Complementary offerings include Mobile Storage Solutions (market-leading reefer/GP container rental with >50% market share), Project Cargo Logistics (heavy ODC/OWC handling via 180-tonne multi-axle trailers), Export Processing Zone Operations (exclusive KEPZ provider), Weighbridge Facilities with VGM certification, and Customized Container Spaces (container conversion under Ace Distriparks). The company operates multiple strategically located sites (Mabole Main Complex, Wattala Complexes 01–04, Ace Freight Yard, Logilink CFS Complex, Welisara Project Cargo Yard, Ace Container Terminals Katunayake, and others) and has invested Rs. 1.5 billion in recent infrastructure upgrades. Technology backbone includes Oracle Warehouse Management integrated with Oracle E-Business Suite and GPS-enabled fleet tracking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ace Containers: Container operations brand under Aitken Spence Logistics
• Ace Distriparks
• Ace Container Repair
• Ace Container Terminals
• Logilink

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% accuracy in daily and quarterly stock counts (Huawei partnership)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Maersk LankacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 May 2024Exclusive lease agreement for the new 100,000 sq. ft. Container Freight Station at Katunayake Export Processing Zone. Maersk Lanka utilizes the facility for export consolidation operations, strengthening Aitken Spence's position as a key logistics partner for global shipping.
• Hapag Lloyd LankastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2022Strategic partnership with Hapag Lloyd Lanka, a leading global shipping line. Hapag Lloyd Lanka secured Gold award for Medium Scale Ocean Carrier at SLFFA National Logistics Awards.
• DB Schenker (via DBS Logistics subsidiary)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 April 2022DBS Logistics Ltd, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence and partner for DB Schenker Network, secured Bronze award for Freight Forwarding under Medium size category at SLFFA NLA.
• Deloitte (Singapore and Malaysia)strategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Consultation partnership for implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in CFS operations, automating documentation processes including customer and government/third-party system updates.
• SIEMENSstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Transportation and handling of seven heavy transformers (97 tons each) for Habarana Power Plant of Ceylon Electricity Board. Specialized multi-axle trailer investment enabled efficient route optimization through low-hanging power lines and bridges.
• HuaweicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Since 2019, Aitken Spence Logistics has served as exclusive supply chain partner for Huawei Sri Lanka. Partnership includes warehousing, inventory management, and distribution achieving 100% accuracy in stock counts and zero damages. Awarded Excellence in Collaboration and Service Award at Huawei South Asia Supplier Convention 2024.
• JMT Joint Venture (JEFF, MITSUI, TODA)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Key logistics service provider for New Kelani Bridge Steel Bridge Construction Project. Handled 28 shipments and 1,300+ oversized girders over 18 months using specialized equipment including low-bed trailers, cranes, and heavy machinery.
• OraclecoreTechnology or Integration · 3 March 2015Implementation of Oracle Warehouse Management System integrated with Oracle E-Business Suite. Deployment of Oracle Warehouse Management, Service Contracts, and Order Management modules enabling real-time billing, financial reporting, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Aitken Spence Group of CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Aitken Spence PLC blue-chip conglomerate. Leverages group resources and synergies across maritime, logistics, and other sectors. Operations span South Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Pacific regions.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DB Schenker Sri Lanka (DBS Logistics): Sri Lankan freight forwarding arm of global logistics provider DB Schenker, operated via DBS Logistics. Directly comparable on international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain services; an SLFFA Bronze 2024 freight forwarding winner competing against Aitken Spence's freight forwarding partnership.
• Kuehne+Nagel Sri Lanka: Global freight forwarding and contract logistics leader with established Sri Lanka operations serving apparel exporters, MNCs, and shipping-line customers. Competes for the same international freight forwarding, contract logistics, and customs brokerage work that anchors Aitken Spence Logistics' 3PL franchise.
• Expeditors Sri Lanka: US-headquartered global logistics provider operating in Colombo with focus on freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions for apparel and manufacturing exporters. Directly comparable on freight forwarding and contract logistics serving international brands in Sri Lanka.
• DHL Global Forwarding Sri Lanka: Global 3PL and freight forwarding major with a Colombo presence handling airfreight, seafreight, customs, and contract logistics. Directly competes for MNC and apparel export consolidation volumes served by Aitken Spence Logistics' Logilink CFS and Warehousing & 3PL/4PL Management division.
• GAC Sri Lanka: Global shipping, logistics, and marine services provider with Colombo operations including freight forwarding, project cargo, and contract logistics. Directly comparable in project cargo and integrated logistics to Aitken Spence Logistics and named in the Aitken Spence CEO's prior experience.
• Trans-Ware Logistics (John Keells Group): Sri Lankan integrated logistics arm of John Keells Holdings, offering 3PL, freight forwarding, and supply chain services nationally. Competes head-to-head with Aitken Spence Logistics in CFS, inland container terminal, and freight forwarding in Colombo, and is explicitly named as a previous employer of Aitken Spence Logistics' CEO.
• Hapag-Lloyd Lanka: Sri Lankan arm of a top-five global container shipping line; strategic partner of Aitken Spence Logistics providing inland container terminal and container handling work. Comparable as a buyer of inland terminal services and as a potential competitor if Hapag-Lloyd insources more inland logistics capability in Colombo.
• Maersk Logistics & Services Sri Lanka: Integrated logistics arm of Maersk in Sri Lanka; an exclusive partner/customer of Aitken Spence Logistics taking the new 100,000 sq. ft. CFS lease. Comparable as a regional CFS/inland container terminal operator with deeper ocean carrier integration—making it both anchor client and potential competitor as Maersk verticalizes inland logistics.

Broad incumbents

• Allcargo Logistics (India): Indian-listed integrated logistics platform with CFS/ICD, container freight stations, project cargo, and contract logistics operations across South Asia. A broadly comparable diversified 3PL/4PL model at larger regional scale, illustrating the natural regional expansion template for Sri Lankan integrated logistics specialists.
• Container Corporation of India (CONCOR): Indian state-owned inland container depot (ICD), CFS, and rail-based intermodal logistics operator with a national network of terminals. Comparable as a large-scale inland container terminal operator with multi-modal logistics capabilities, providing a regional benchmark for terminal throughput scale and capital intensity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AitkenSpenceLogistics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aitken-spence-logistics

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aitken Spence Logistics