Hambantota Port Welcomes NYK’s New-Generation LNG Dual-Fuel Car Carrier

Hambantota International Port (HIP) has received NYK Line’s Azalea Leader, marking the vessel’s maiden call at the port in August.

The Azalea Leader is a 200-metre-long, next-generation pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) powered by LNG dual-fuel technology.

Built in 2026 and operating under the Liberian flag, the vessel can transport up to 4,810 vehicles, along with a further 47 units designated for local discharge.

Its overall maximum capacity is approximately 7,000 vehicle units.

The vessel is also equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology on its main engine, a system designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and improve the ship’s environmental performance.

The latest vessel call comes as Hambantota continues to strengthen its position along regional maritime and logistics routes.

The port has seen growing volumes of vehicles and other cargo moving through Hambantota toward markets in the Middle East, with the Azalea Leader arriving from Singapore.

Wilson Qu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), said the vessel’s maiden call was significant as shipping lines are increasingly deploying newer and more technologically advanced vessels to Hambantota.

He said the development highlights the growing role of HIP in the regional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) sector and demonstrates the port’s potential as vehicle volumes handled through Hambantota continue to increase.

The arrival of the LNG dual-fuel vessel also reflects the port’s expanding role in supporting modern and more environmentally efficient shipping operations, while strengthening its position as an automotive transshipment and logistics hub in the region.