During the past decade, a series of operational changes have been implemented including introduction of 2nd shift and 3rd shifts, reduction in gang sizes, modernizing of cargo handling equipment and improvement in port productivity. The major reform during 1997 was the signature of the Concession Contract. 

This Concession Contract defines among others the responsibilities of Cargo Handling Corporation Limited, the productivity targets, the financial aspects and control to be exercised by the Authority. The main provisions under the Port Sector Reform Policy concerning Cargo Handling Corporation Limited are as follows; 'Cargo Handling Corporation Limited will be the sole port operator for general cargo, certain bulk cargo and containers on Terminal I and Terminal II, and the full fledge Container Terminal operator on Terminal III.'