Hambantota International Port (HIP) has reported a remarkable surge in cargo volumes, reaching over 6 million metric tons by September 2025, representing a 151 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The growth reflects the port’s expanding capacity and diversified operations across container handling, liquid bulk, bunkering, and vehicle transshipment.
The port recently completed a major infrastructure upgrade with a 41 million dollar investment in new cranes, including four high-performance quay cranes and thirteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes. These enhancements increased HIP’s container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually and improved operational efficiency with advanced automation and anti-collision features.
The quay cranes offer twin-lift capabilities, with lifting capacities ranging from 50 tons in single mode up to 75 tons under beam, and a reach of 65 meters. The rubber-tyred gantry cranes can lift up to 41 tons each, allowing for faster stacking and retrieval of containers. These investments position HIP to accommodate growing transshipment demand and support nearby industrial zones.
In addition to container operations, the port has seen strong growth in LPG throughput, bunkering services, and vehicle transshipment. LPG volumes have nearly doubled over the previous year, while bunker fuel sales and vehicle transshipment activities also recorded significant increases. This diversified growth reinforces HIP’s ambition to be a multipurpose hub capable of serving a wide range of maritime traffic.
The surge in cargo came alongside operational challenges, including congestion due to increased vehicle imports. The port responded by optimizing yard allocation, revising container stacking strategies, and expanding the workforce to maintain vessel-handling efficiency.
Located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Hambantota Port benefits from a strategic position along key Indian Ocean shipping routes. Its expansion and modernization enable it to compete with regional ports as a comprehensive maritime hub for containers, energy products, and roll-on/roll-off cargo.
