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Last year is described as a “watershed” for Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port (HIP), with the port’s activities spreading in several new directions, creating “a unique ecosystem for economic prosperity for Sri Lanka.” Although challenges posed by the pandemic continued, HIP achieved an overall throughput of 2.3 million tonnes of cargo, including a remarkable 38% increase in ro-ro operations. The introduction of a number of new ro-ro shipping lines catering for transshipment activity helped HIP handle 535,000 vehicles, mainly manufactured in India, Thailand, Japan and Korea and destined for Africa, the Middle East, Far East and South America, during 2021.
The port also saw a significant 59% increase in bulk cargo, passing the 1 million tones mark for the first time in a single year.
The wholesale supply of marine bunker fuels started by HIP and strategic partner Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka Limited in 2020 led to a sharp increase in bunkering operations. With the port’s 14 oil storage tanks, tanker jetties and ancillary infrastructure fully operational, HIP is now geared up to provide VLSFO and MGO fuel bunkering services for vessels operating in the Indian Ocean.
Further projects are in the pipeline at HIP. These include a bonded warehousing network and a container terminal which will add to the port’s existing multi-purpose facilities.
