Hambantota International Port (HIP) has recorded an impressive 151% year-on-year growth in cargo volumes, reaching 6,028,493 metric tons by September 2025 — up from 2,397,971 metric tons in the same period last year.
This growth came despite operational pressures following the lifting of Sri Lanka’s local vehicle import ban, which led to congestion and clearance delays. In response, HIP’s Operations Department took swift action — optimising yard allocation, rebalancing container flows, and fine-tuning stacking strategies to maximise efficiency and capacity.
To support these efforts, the port expanded its workforce, adding more stevedores, securing additional yard space, and investing in yard expansion projects. Thanks to these measures, HIP maintained regular productivity and ensured smooth vessel operations without delays.
HIP’s success is part of a broader growth strategy. In late 2024, the port invested US$41 million in new cranes, boosting container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually. Expansion of bunkering and energy services has also delivered strong gains, particularly in LPG throughput and bunker volumes. Meanwhile, vehicle transshipment volumes rose 26% year-on-year, reinforcing HIP’s position as a comprehensive, multipurpose maritime hub.
“As we push toward the year’s end, HIP remains resolute in delivering reliable service under growing demand,” said HIPG CEO Wilson Qu. “Our teams continue refining operational processes to absorb ongoing growth, and we stand ready to collaborate with stakeholders, shipping lines, and government bodies to support Sri Lanka’s trade, energy, and logistics ambitions.”
Source : Daily FT
This growth came despite operational pressures following the lifting of Sri Lanka’s local vehicle import ban, which led to congestion and clearance delays. In response, HIP’s Operations Department took swift action — optimising yard allocation, rebalancing container flows, and fine-tuning stacking strategies to maximise efficiency and capacity.
To support these efforts, the port expanded its workforce, adding more stevedores, securing additional yard space, and investing in yard expansion projects. Thanks to these measures, HIP maintained regular productivity and ensured smooth vessel operations without delays.
HIP’s success is part of a broader growth strategy. In late 2024, the port invested US$41 million in new cranes, boosting container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually. Expansion of bunkering and energy services has also delivered strong gains, particularly in LPG throughput and bunker volumes. Meanwhile, vehicle transshipment volumes rose 26% year-on-year, reinforcing HIP’s position as a comprehensive, multipurpose maritime hub.
“As we push toward the year’s end, HIP remains resolute in delivering reliable service under growing demand,” said HIPG CEO Wilson Qu. “Our teams continue refining operational processes to absorb ongoing growth, and we stand ready to collaborate with stakeholders, shipping lines, and government bodies to support Sri Lanka’s trade, energy, and logistics ambitions.”
Source : Daily FT