Significant growth in Hambantota international port operations

Cargo volumes at Hambantota International Port (HIP) have surged by 151% year-on-year, with throughput reaching 6,028,493 metric tons by September 2025 compared to 2,397,971 metric tons in the same period last year.

This was achieved despite operational challenges triggered by lifting the ban on local vehicle imports.

With the lifting of import restrictions, we experienced elevated congestion and clearance delays—straining yard space, equipment, and workflow.

To counter these pressures, the Operations Department optimised yard allocation, rebalanced container flows, and adjusted stacking strategies to maximise capacity without compromising safety or efficiency.

Supporting these efforts, management ramped up manpower by increasing the number of stevedores and secured additional yard space, resources and new investments in yard expansion.

Through these interventions, the port maintained regular productivity and ensured that vessel handling proceeded without delay.

HIP’s growth is occurring amidst a wave of strategic enhancements.

In late 2024, the port invested USD 41 million in cranes, boosting container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually.

The port has also expanded its bunkering and energy services, with notable gains in LPG throughput and bunker volumes in 2024.

These moves, along with strong growth in vehicle transshipment (26 % year-on-year), emphasise HIP’s commitment to securing its 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.

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 broader trade, energy, and logistics goals,” says Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG.