Hambantota Port handles record 500,000 vehicles in nine months

Setting a new record, Hambantota International Port has managed to handle 500,000 RORO (roll-on, roll-off) operations before the end of September this year.

“Hambantota International Port (HIP) has managed to break the vehicle transshipment record last year and as the global economy gradually recovers, we will continue to promote the port’s strategic location and services internationally,” Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) Chief Operating Officer Tissa Wickramasinghe said.

By the end of 2022, the total volume achieved by HIP for domestic and transshipment handling was 558,200 RORO, and it was able to set the record of handling half a million RORO vehicles in November last year. Breaking that record in 2023, the port managed to cross the half-million milestone before the end of the third quarter.

In the last five years, HIP’s RORO business has seen significant growth, and the port has now become an attractive destination for transshipment of vehicles, said Lance Suo, HIPG’s General Manager of Commercial and Marketing Affairs. “This is particularly due to HIP’s ability to provide high-quality, efficient and reliable services that shipping companies expect. Quality services as well as the transshipment capacity of HIP are up to the world’s best standards and the port’s strategic location is ideal for RORO business. Also, the Hambantota Port is the most convenient transshipment point for both the Pacific and Indian oceans,” Wickramasinghe further stated.

Wickramasinghe pointed out that the port gives priority to operational safety and quality standards. “Our strict attention is paid to standard operating procedures and safety rules in RORO operations. HIP’s corporate and operational environment reflects very well, the port’s commitment  to ensuring the strength and reliability of the RORO business. The way our expert operations team handled Sunlight Ace and Xu Xin vessels, which arrived at the port amid adverse weather conditions, is testament to that. Also, the Hambantota Port is the point that connects the Asian region to the world.”

Up to the ninth month of this year, the port has handled 218 vessel transshipments from eight shipping companies, with a peak volume of 75,608 recorded in September. This figure was recorded with the arrival of 32 RORO vessels. The growth in RORO volumes achieved by HIP in 2023 is 25 percent compared to last year. Carrying volumes of 2,391 and 3,407 respectively, MOL Shipping Company’s Sunlight Ace and Glovis Shipping Company’s Xu Xin contributed to HIP’s milestone of 500,000 transshipment operations.

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